Order given in Hatfield to prevent exploitation

A two-year Slavery and Trafficking Risk Order has been granted by St Albans Crown Court on Monday 30 January 2023, after concerns were raised about working arrangements of some care staff employed in Hatfield after a long-running investigation into individuals suspected of being trafficked into the county and exploited in the workplace.

Hertfordshire Constabulary applied a Slavery and Trafficking Risk Order (STRO) against Veronica Mabau Baskini, aged 46, of Doddington Grove, London, SE17 3SZ.

Information on Companies House services says she is Director of GREENWRITE HEALTH CARE LIMITED.

The court found that her behavior posed a risk of her committing a slavery or human trafficking offence, and that the order was necessary to protect people generally, or specific individuals, from the physical or psychological harm that would be likely to occur if such an offence was committed.

The order imposes restrictions on the employment of workers, accommodating them, and the organization of travel for people other than her immediate family. Furthermore, she is prohibited from possessing other people’s identity documents, and is required to inform the police of any changes in her name or address.

If the civil order is breached, it could mean criminal prosecution and a potential prison term of up to five years.

Detective Sergeant Jill Green, from the Serious and Organised Crime Command, said: “Modern slavery is a serious and often hidden crime which continues to affect people across the UK. Labour exploitation is one of the most profitable and widespread trafficking offences, but often difficult to investigate.

“We will not tolerate the exploitation of vulnerable people by criminals or seemingly legitimate businesses. The Slavery and Trafficking Risk Order enables us to impose sanctions on those who pose a risk to vulnerable people and can also be used to protect potential victims whilst investigations can be completed.

“I would urge anyone who believes they are being exploited or who thinks they may have information about labour exploitation to report it to us or the via the Modern Slavery Helpline. “  

Spot the signs of labour exploitation: Anyone with concerns about human trafficking or modern slavery should call police via 101 or the national Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700.