Fugitive Polish Man Nabbed in UK After Hiding Under False Identity
A 55-year-old wanted man from Poland was sentenced to 18 months behind bars at Kingston Crown Court yesterday (31 March). Wladyslaw Kieruc, originally from Bialystok and now of no fixed address, was caught in London after fleeing Polish justice.
Arrest at London Brothel Uncovers False Identity
Kieruc was arrested in November 2020 by the Metropolitan Police at a Colliers Wood brothel. The arrest was part of a joint operation between Surrey Police, Polish detectives, and the Met targeting a criminal gang involved in human trafficking and modern slavery.
Using forged documents, Kieruc gave a fake name and birth date to authorities. But police grew suspicious and fingerprint checks confirmed his true identity. Officers discovered Kieruc had absconded from a Polish prison and had been wanted on a warrant since January 2016.
Further investigations revealed Kieruc stole an innocent person’s identity card to rack up UK criminal records including theft and firearms possession, all while on the run.
Sentence and Extradition on the Horizon
Kieruc was convicted of perverting the course of justice linked to the ongoing modern slavery probe. Extradition proceedings will now start to send him back to Poland to face justice.
“Kieruc came to the UK to hide under a false identity. Without Surrey, Metropolitan, and Polish Police working together, he’d still be at large,” said Detective Sergeant Martyn Linton, leading the investigation.
Spotting the Signs of Modern Slavery
Modern slavery includes sexual exploitation, forced labour, domestic servitude, and criminal exploitation. Victims are often controlled through abuse or threats. Last year, over 10,000 UK victims were identified, many trapped in sectors like brothels, factories, car washes, and agriculture.
Police warn modern slavery is happening right now in Surrey and expect cases to rise as lockdown restrictions ease. Victims don’t wear shackles but show worrying signs, such as:
- Reluctance to interact and appear controlled by someone else
- No personal ID or few belongings
- Same clothes daily or unsuitable attire for work
- Limited freedom of movement
- Fearful, withdrawn behaviour or signs of abuse
- Unusual work drop-off and pick-up times
It might feel awkward to speak up if you suspect slavery, but your tip could free victims and bring criminals to justice. Always trust your instincts – spotting the signs can save lives.
