Hand Car Wash Owner Snared Over Hidden Slave Room
Rasa Zubaviciute was slapped with a Slavery and Trafficking Risk Order (STRO) after police uncovered a secret room beneath a Chesterfield hand car wash. The shocking discovery came on 30 July 2020 at a business on Brimington Road, Tapton.
Secret Room Revealed Behind Sofa
Derbyshire Police’s Modern Slavery Team found the hidden space through a hole concealed by a sofa. Inside were mattresses, airbeds, food supplies, and suitcases – a grim sign of possible modern slavery at the site.
Strict Conditions Laid Down in STRO
Zubaviciute, from Chatsworth Road, Chesterfield, was ordered not to:
- Arrange accommodation for anyone except immediate family
- Possess anyone else’s passports, bank cards, or documents
- Employ workers without notifying police and paying the national minimum wage
Jail Time After She Breaks the Rules
On 12 January 2021, Zubaviciute faced charges for breaching the STRO after an officer spotted more workers on site than she reported. She pleaded guilty at North East Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court and received a 24-week prison sentence, suspended for a year.
She must also complete 180 hours of unpaid work and pay £213 in costs. The original STRO remains active until 2025.
“This case shows the close work between specialist officers and our local safer neighbourhood teams, who really are the eyes and ears of the force,” said DC Dannielle Jewitt.
“I hope this case acts as a lesson to anyone else who is thinking of, or indeed is already, acting in the same way as Zubaviciute. As a force, we are alive to the dangers and will work to bring you to justice and protect vulnerable victims.”
Derbyshire Police is part of a countywide Modern Slavery Partnership working with local authorities and agencies to tackle slavery and enforce STROs.
