Latvian Man Freed After Brutal UK Slave Labour Ordeal
Rolands Kazoks, 31, from Latvia, has finally escaped a nightmare of forced labour in the UK. Stripped of his bank cards, denied showers and clean clothes, Kazoks endured hell at the hands of three local crooks.
Three Locals Jailed Over Slavery Ring
- Jokubas Stankevicius, 59, and wife Ruta Stankeviciene, 57, both of Capel Close
- Normunds Freibergs, 41, of Morley Close
All three were convicted of forcible labour exploitation. Freibergs got five years behind bars. Stankevicius was jailed for four years. Stankeviciene received a 20-month sentence, suspended for 18 months, along with a strict curfew.
“Your mobility issues did not prevent you from taking your mobility scooter to the cashpoint,” warned Judge Richard Williams, referencing Stankeviciene’s role in withdrawing money from Kazoks’ stolen bank account.
The judge also revealed the couple’s landlord is considering evicting them from their home.
Shocking Exploitation and Theft
Kazoks arrived in the UK in October 2017, lured by promises of work and better pay. Freibergs arranged for him to stay with the Stankevicius couple in Newport’s Pill district.
But it was a cruel trap. The trio stole around £10,000 from his bank account after confiscating his passport and card. Kazoks was forced to slave away at a bakery and meat processing plant for 11 months, with almost all his wages taken.
When Kazoks asked about his pay, he was met with violent threats. They falsely claimed he owed rent, job fees, and Brexit-related costs.
His shocking plight came to light when colleagues noticed him working in flip-flops during snowy weather at the Abergavenny meat plant. The Gangmasters Licensing and Labour Authority launched an investigation, leading to Kazoks being rescued.
Kazoks’ New Life After Escape
Kazoks shared his ordeal in court, revealing he came to the UK hoping to send money home to his struggling family in Latvia. His father suffers from tuberculosis and survives on only about €100 (£86) a month.
“I will never forget what they did to me,” Kazoks said. “I was terrified to return to South Wales, fearing violence from their friends.”
Now safe, he calls his new life “freedom.” Kazoks is studying hospitality and English, determined to build a better future away from his tormentors.
