A new BBC Investigation has found victims of modern slavery were forced to work by a criminal gang. The victims, sixteen in all, were forced to work at McDonalds and a supernarket factory which supplies chains such as Asda, Co-op, M&S, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose.
A trafficking gang from the Czech Republic forced 16 victims to work in situations of forced labour, exploiting them for over 4 years.
Six gang members have been convicted in a court case, which was delayed due to the Covid 19 Pandemic.
The gang gained over £215,000 from their victims, whilst forcing them to live in cramped accomodation.
Major red flags for modern slavery were ovelooked at both businesses. Workers had money deposited in accounts that did not match their names, had the same registered address, and worked extreme hours; up to 70 - 100 hours a week. Most damningly, gang members posed as "translators" at the interview stage, speaking for the victims and filling out their applications on their behalf.
For more information, find the full article on the BBC's website here.
