Human Traffickers Charged after Multiple Kent Raids
harges brought against suspected human traffickers Suspected human traffickers will appear in court after being arrested during an operation in east Kent. Detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate carried out early-morning raids at 11 different locations in Folkestone, Dover and Lydd on Wednesday 16 May 2018 as part of an investigation into modern slavery offences. The case relates to a suspected organised criminal network with links to the Czech Republic. Petr Makula, 47, and his son Mario Makula, 25, were both arrested at their home in Granville Street, Dover, and taken into custody for questioning. The Crown Prosecution Service has since authorised charges against both men of arranging or facilitating the travel of another person with a view to exploitation, contrary to the 2015 Modern Slavery Act. Both men have also been charged with possession of criminal property and are due to appear before Medway magistrates for a remand hearing on Thursday 17 May 2018. A 39-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman, both from Folkestone, were also arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences and released on bail pending further enquiries until Thursday 7 June 2018. Twelve potential victims were identified by officers during the operation and taken to a place of safety. If you suspect human trafficking or modern slavery you can report it at www.kent.police.uk/report or call 101. Alternatively you can call Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or the National Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700. https:///youtu.be/MpfOzimBUaE
