Legal News

Newcastle Crown Court has convicted four men on charges of people trafficking Polish workers to the UK, who were then subjected to modern slavery conditions.

Sabastian Mandzik, 40, Robert Majewski, 45, Pawel Majewski, 27, and Seweryn Szymt, 20, were involved in a large-scale operation, which transported vulnerable people to the northeast of England on the promise of well-paid work.

The victims were housed in cramped conditions and forced into minimum wage jobs, with their salaries paid into bank accounts controlled by the criminal gang – any resistance was met with violence and intimidation.

On Friday 26 May at Newcastle Crown Court, the four men were found guilty of offences including conspiring to transport people for exploitation, conspiring to force people into labour – and conspiring to conceal criminal property.

Jim Hope from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said:

“The treatment of the victims and the conditions in which they were made to live were truly appalling.

“Once this group became aware of the police investigation, they made a calculated effort to remove or destroy any evidence linking them to this case.

“Despite their attempts, the CPS worked closely with detectives to build a complete picture of the scale and scope of their criminal operations.

”The CPS will continue to work alongside its criminal justice partners to tackle cases of modern slavery.”

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors

Duncan Lewis Criminal Lawyers have acknowledged expertise in case building based on a sound knowledge of the criminal justice system - and the ability to assemble compelling evidence and documentation in criminal cases involving human trafficking allegations.

Duncan Lewis represents clients at Police Stations, Magistrates' Courts, Crown Courts, and at Appeal courts such as the Court of Appeal - and has highly experienced Higher Court Advocated with a background in conducting serious matters such as murder and rape.

Equally, if you are a victim of Human Trafficking you may have the right to claim asylum under UK Law, in which case our expert Immigration Solicitors can help you.

To speak to one of our expert solicitors please call 0333 772 0409.