A FATHER and son have been handed interim Slavery and Trafficking Risk Orders, placing restrictions on their activities.
Jan Karicka, 58, and his son Michal Karicka, 22, both of Summer Hill Street, Lidget Green, are under investigation by the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority and were called to Leeds Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, September 14.
The Orders ban the pair from approaching potential victims or witnesses to get them to change their testimonies and have six other clauses.
The others are not arranging any travel in the UK for anyone other than immediate family, being banned from instructing anyone to rent or sublet any property controlled by them, and being forbidden from helping anyone find employment.
They also cannot coerce anyone else to do anything they are banned from doing, and they must inform the GLAA of any address changes or international travel.
A full order application will be heard in the New Year. The Karickas, both Czech nationals, were in court and did not contend the order.
Dave Powell, senior investigating officer at the GLAA, said: “We now have a number of STROs active across the Midlands and north of England and they are proving to be another valuable tool for law enforcement in tackling labour exploitation.
“Breaching the STRO is a criminal offence carrying a maximum penalty of five years in prison and we will ensure that the order is policed robustly and thoroughly.
“We expect full co-operation with the order and we will continue to work closely with partners to help keep our communities free from labour abuse.”
If you believe someone is a victim of forced labour or other labour exploitation, contact the GLAA’s intelligence team on 0800 4320804 or by emailing intelligence@gla.gov.uk.
Alternatively, call the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
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