London Car Wash Owner Jailed for Modern Slavery
Summary:
A London car wash owner has been sentenced to eight years and six months in prison after being found guilty under the UK Modern Slavery Act.
The trafficker exploited eight Romanian nationals – including a 15-year-old boy – for four months in appalling conditions.
The victims were lured to the UK with false promises of fair pay, accommodation, and food. Instead, they were forced to work at the car wash, sleeping on cold, damp floors without blankets, and subjected to physical and psychological abuse. Their access to food was severely restricted, and their travel documents were confiscated.
After months of exploitation, one person managed to contact the Metropolitan Police, who acted swiftly to intervene. The eight survivors were connected to IJM for ongoing care and support before, during, and after their return to Romania. They also bravely testified against the perpetrator.
Commenting on the conviction, Sefora, one of the survivors shared, “Justice has been served. I’m glad and relieved that the case has been resolved and that justice has been done for everything that happened.”
The Director of IJM’s European Anti-Trafficking Programme, Shawn Kohl, said, “This case demanded extraordinary commitment – through two trials, multiple joint visits to the field with the Metropolitan Police team, extensive care and support for survivors, specialised assistance thorough trial preparation, and remote live-streamed testimony. There is no doubt that without the courage and perseverance of the survivors and this cross-border partnership... this case would never have gone to court, and accountability would never have been achieved.”
This conviction was covered by Metropolitan Police News and other outlets, including the Evening Standard, Spot Media, and UKNIP – highlighting the growing movement against modern slavery in the UK.
Trafficking isn’t just a global issue – it's happening right here in the UK. Awareness is the first step to ending it.
Learn more about IJM’s European Anti-Trafficking Programme and how you can help stop modern slavery >>