Court places tough restrictions on father and son investigated by GLAA

16 Sept 2021

A father and son have been hit with a civil court order following investigations by the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA).

Leeds Magistrates’ Court imposed an interim Slavery and Trafficking Risk Order (STRO) on Czech nationals Jan Karicka, 58, and Michal Karicka, 22, at a hearing on Tuesday September 14.

The order places seven restrictions on the pair, who must first not approach potential victims or witnesses with the aim of getting them to change their testimonies.

Both have been ordered not to arrange travel or transport into or within the UK for anyone other than their immediate family. They are also prevented from arranging work travel or transport for anyone other than immediate family members.

Other parts of the order forbid the pair from instructing anyone to rent or sublet any accommodation which is controlled by them, and from arranging or helping to find employment for anyone other than themselves.

Karicka and Karicka must also not engage or coerce anyone else into carrying out any of the instructions listed above on their behalf.

The final part of the order compels the pair to inform GLAA officers of any change of address and details of any travel into and out of the UK.

Both defendants, of Summer Hill Street, Bradford, attended the hearing and did not contest the interim order.

An application for a full STRO is expected to be heard early in the new year.

GLAA Senior Investigating Officer Dave Powell said: “We now have a number of STROs active across the Midlands and north of England and they are proving to be another valuable tool for law enforcement in tackling labour exploitation.

“Breaching the STRO is a criminal offence carrying a maximum penalty of five years in prison and we will ensure that the order is policed robustly and thoroughly.

“We expect full co-operation with the order and we will continue to work closely with partners to help keep our communities free from labour abuse.”

If you believe someone is a victim of forced labour or other labour exploitation, contact the GLAA’s intelligence team on 0800 4320804 or by emailing intelligence@gla.gov.uk.

Alternatively, call the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.