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Man Enslaved Workers at Local Car Wash in Shocking Modern-Day Slavery Case
A man has been convicted after a disturbing investigation uncovered that he had been enslaving vulnerable people and forcing them to work at his car wash in what police have described as “one of the most shocking cases of modern-day exploitation in recent years.”
The unnamed 47-year-old defendant was found guilty at Crown Court this week of multiple offences, including holding individuals in servitude, forced labour, human trafficking, and assault. The victims — some as young as 19 — were discovered living in cramped, filthy conditions in a makeshift room behind the car wash’s main office.
Victims Forced to Work Seven Days a Week
According to prosecutors, the man targeted individuals who were homeless, struggling with addiction, or new to the country with limited English. He lured them in with promises of legitimate work and safe accommodation. Instead, victims testified that they were forced to work seven days a week, often more than 12 hours per day, with little or no pay.
Several victims told investigators they were threatened, intimidated, and beaten if they asked for wages or attempted to leave. One victim described feeling “trapped like an animal” and said they believed they would be killed if they tried to escape.
Car Wash Customers Unaware of Abuse
Police revealed that the car wash, located on a busy roadside in an industrial estate, had been operating under the radar for years. Thousands of customers had passed through, unaware that the workers scrubbing their cars were being held against their will.
A spokesperson for the local council confirmed that concerns had been raised previously about the car wash operating without proper licences, but no one had suspected criminal activity of this scale.
Rescue Operation Exposed the Horrors
The operation to rescue the victims began after a member of the public contacted authorities, reporting that workers “looked terrified” and appeared to be living on-site. A multi-agency task force — including police, social services, and the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority — executed a raid earlier this year.
Inside, officers found:
• Mattresses in a storage cupboard with no windows
• Buckets used as makeshift toilets
• Workers with untreated injuries
• Confiscated passports and ID documents
• CCTV cameras positioned to monitor workers’ movements constantly
Detectives said the level of control exerted over the victims was “absolute.”
Judge Condemns ‘Cruel and Calculated Exploitation’
Sentencing will take place next month, but the judge has already condemned the man’s actions as “cruel, calculated, and motivated purely by greed.” The court heard that the car wash generated thousands of pounds per week, none of which went to the workers.
The victims are now receiving support, housing, and access to rehabilitation services.
Modern Slavery Still Rising
Police say the case highlights the continued rise of modern slavery across the UK, particularly within industries such as car washes, nail bars, construction, and agriculture.
A detective involved in the case urged the public to stay alert:
“Modern slavery is hidden in plain sight. If something feels wrong — report it. You may be saving someone’s life.”
Authorities are now reviewing other businesses linked to the convicted man and have not ruled out further arrests.
Attached is a news article regarding a man who inslaved people at a car wash
https://news.sky.com/story/man-jailed-for-keeping-eight-people-enslaved-in-london-car-wash-13476151
Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley
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