Two men have been jailed for a large scale human trafficking ring in Dewsbury.
Janos Orsos, 43, and Ferenc Illes, 25, were sentenced yesterday at Teeside Crown Court to five years and three years respectively after pleading guilty to people trafficking offences.
The court heard how Hungarian nationals were lured to work in the UK and brought to various parts of Kirklees and forced to work for up to 60 hours a week for as little as £20.
Sentencing Judge Peter Armstrong said the victims were forced to live in ‘severely cramped, multi-occupancy rooms in Dewsbury and left in fear of violence if they protested’.
West Yorkshire Police launched Operation Tavernhouse back in 2011 after an alleged victim - a 20-year-old man- contacted the charity Hope For Justice and told them he was being exploited.
More victims soon came forwards and others were identified, helping officers to build a case which identified the principle suspects.
Among those exploited was a 45-year-old woman who was kept prisoner and forced to do housework for free. She was not given clothes and was only fed once a day during her captivity. She was later given more freedom and was able to flee and catch a train away from the town.
The court heard a Hungarian man was put up in Ravensthorpe and forced to work for more than 21 weeks for just £30 and lost more than 10 kilos in weight.
Both Illes, of Beckett Walk, Dewsbury, and Orsos, of Lascelles Road, Heckmondwike admitted charges of conspiracy to traffic people dating back to 2011.
Orsos was also guilty of blackmail and converting criminal property.
Click below to see Det Sgt Paul Simm's coments about the case
Det Sgt Paul Simm, of Kirklees CID, added:“ We are pleased to see the conviction of Orsos and Illes today for offences which, quite simply, should not be taking place in 21st Century Britain.
“I am quite sure the notion that men and women were working in conditions of virtual slavery in their communities will horrify residents in Dewsbury and Heckmondwike.
“In these cases we have been presented with evidence of men and woman working long hours across various businesses and not being paid what they are owed.
“All the while they have were forced to live in cramped, squalid shared accommodation with a number of others.”
Det Chief Insp Paul Jeffrey of Kirklees CID, added: “These convictions have followed a long running, detailed and at times, difficult investigation and I want to thank partners including Hope For Justice, who have worked with us to bring this case to a conclusion.
“I would encourage anyone who feels they may be a victim of this type of trafficking and is being exploited to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
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