AN EVESHAM woman has appeared in court charged with modern slavery offences after a police investigation into human trafficking.
It is alleged Julianna Chodakiewicz, 22, of Saxonbury in Evesham, along with six men and two women, exploited more than 80 people after trafficking them from their home country from 2014.
A West Midlands Police investigation found the group of Polish nationals controlled bank accounts in their victims’ names and stole their wages.
All nine have been charged with conspiracy to force people into labour, conspiracy to traffic people with a view to exploitation, and conspiracy to acquire criminal property.
They appeared at Birmingham Magistrates Court on Monday and Tuesday and have been remanded in prison ahead of their next appearance at Birmingham Crown Court on Tuesday, December 5.
Anyone who suspects people are being exploited or forced into labour in their community is urged to call Police on 101 or contact the anti-slavery charity Hope for Justice or call 0300 008 8000.
