Peterborough Slavery Victims Awarded £130k Compensation
Two modern slavery victims trafficked from Slovakia and forced to work under horrific conditions in Peterborough have won over £130,000 in compensation. Margita Slavikova, 68, and her son Robert Slavik, 40, who exploited the men, were jailed after admitting fraud charges in September.
Mother and Son Exploited Men for Years
The pair lured victims with promises of a better life but instead forced them into near-slavery. The men worked for almost eight years with barely a penny paid. Slavikova and her son also opened loans and phone contracts in the victims’ names, deepening their exploitation.
One victim, aged 30, earned just £12,900 for eight years, despite total actual earnings, including benefits, being £118,700. The other, aged 46, received roughly £13,600 while earning about £80,100. One victim was even pushed into a sham marriage.
The victims were moved between various addresses across Peterborough from 2008 to 2016 until police finally raided Lincoln Road, freeing them in April 2016.
Family Members Also Sent Down for Human Exploitation
Slavikova’s grandson Roman and daughter Maria Slavikova were jailed in March 2019 for abusing the same victims. Yesterday (18 August), Margita and Robert faced a Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) hearing at Cambridge Crown Court.
Judge Jonathan Cooper ordered Margita Slavikova to pay back £130,350 within three months or risk an additional two years behind bars. The compensation was split between the two victims: £52,139 and £78,210 respectively.
Robert Slavik had made £136,604 from the crimes but was only able to surrender £1. He will serve an extra seven days in jail for non-payment.
Police Vow to Smash Modern Slavery Rings
“Both vulnerable victims were exploited by the Slavik family – people they thought they could trust,”
said DC Pete Wise.
“This hearing ensures the offenders are stripped of their criminal profits or face extra jail time. We will keep using every tool to recover victims’ money and bring criminals to justice.”
Experts stress that recognising the signs of modern slavery is vital. Warning signs include:
- Inability to come and go freely
- Under 18 forced into commercial sex
- Unpaid or very low wages
- Excessive or unusual working hours
- Restrictions on breaks
- Enforced debt bondage
- False recruitment promises
- High-security measures at home or work, like opaque windows
If you suspect modern slavery, report it online at Cambs Police or call 101. In emergencies, always dial 999.
For more info and guidance, visit the police’s modern slavery and human trafficking page.
