The arrests by West Midlands Police followed raids at CAP Recycling in Elwell Street, West Bromwich, and Black Country Recycling, Union Road, Oldbury yesterday morning. letsrecycle.com has been unable to reach either company for comment.
A 52-year-old man was arrested at the Elwell Street site and in connected raids two men, aged 26 and 47, were arrested on suspicion of slavery offences.
11 Polish men were found in several locations – at the two recycling sites, at a flat believed to be living quarters for some workers and in a van outside a suspect’s address on West Bromwich’s Hope Street.
According to West Midlands Police, one man is believed to have been working despite having a broken shoulder, while others were displaying signs of malnutrition and alcohol dependency.
All the men have been taken to a reception centre in Tipton where they are being supported by the Red Cross.
‘Exploited’
West Midlands Police Inspector Colin Mattinson, who led the operation, said: “Police intelligence suggested eastern European men were being exploited at the unit and being paid just £10 for working long hours.
“By contrast it’s believed the men taking advantage of these people – and playing on their vulnerabilities by plying them with alcohol – were living luxury lifestyles and driving around in high-value cars.
“We’ve found evidence suggesting some of these men were sleeping at one of the recycling units and bedding down on waste cardboard.
“Suspected victims will receive medical attention and support before being spoken to by our officers with the aid of Polish interpreters.
“We are raising awareness of modern day slavery but it remains a largely hidden crime. I’d urge members of the public to look out for tell-tale signs, things like large numbers of people staying in multi-occupancy houses and people being ferried to and from the address on vans or minibuses early in the morning and returning late at night.”
Criminal complaint
The 11 men safeguarded will have the option of supporting a criminal complaint and referred through the National Referral Mechanism. Should they be identified as victims they will be housed by the Salvation Army outside the region for 28 days while enquiries progress.
Councillor Preet Gill, Sandwell council’s cabinet member for Public Health & Protection, said: “I welcome these raids; they send out a clear message that we will not tolerate the exploitation of people in our community. Modern day slavery may be a hidden crime – but it’s a real concern.
“I hope today’s arrests will give a strong warning as well as encouraging people to report suspicious behaviour which may indicate exploitation is happening in their neighbourhood.”
The West Midlands Police worked together with the National Crime Agency’s Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking Unit, Health & Safety Executive, West Midlands Fire Service and council housing officers.
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