Trafficking victim safely home after being rescued from exploitation
A survivor of modern slavery has been safely reunited with his friends and family after threats from his trafficker left him fearing for his life.
Dariusz*, who is in his late 60s, courageously shared his story with one of Hope for Justice’s investigators and gave permission for his experiences to be reported to the police, who launched an investigation and issued an arrest warrant for the perpetrator.
One of Hope for Justice’s investigators said: “We are so pleased that Dariusz has been repatriated to his home country, Poland, and that he is now in a place of safety, surrounded by a network of friends and family who can support him. He has already been offered a job.
“He was extremely grateful for Hope for Justice’s involvement and support, to the point that he phoned me on his return journey to give me updates and to thank us for what we have done.”
Dariusz was already living in the UK when he was recruited and trafficked to a house in the Yorkshire region. He had been promised a well-paid job and accommodation but on arrival he was forced to work at a car wash – working 72 hours per week for just £30. Sometimes he was not paid at all.
Dariusz lived under the constant threat of violence and on one of these occasions, he ran away, fearing for his life.
But this left him with no option but to fend for himself on the streets. He was found by an outreach team who met his immediate needs and referred him to Hope for Justice.
Our investigator added: “We are glad that we have been able to play a small part in this man’s recovery and supported him in reporting his exploitation to the police so that a full investigation can be conducted. Dariusz has been threatened on multiple occasions and forced to work under unfair and unjust circumstances at the hand of another human being who chose to target him and exploit him.
“We are so thankful that he has now been rescued and that, with our help alongside police and partner organisations, he has been repatriated back to Poland, to a place of safety, far away from his traffickers.”
*Name and image changed to protect identity of victim
Hope for Justice has produced this poster, in Polish, which highlights 12 of the common indicators of modern slavery. Learning how to spot the signs of human trafficking could literally save a life.
