A 45-year-old man from London was sentenced to 8 years and 6 months in prison for human trafficking, forcing eight Romanian citizens to work in conditions of modern slavery.

Hewa Magari, a 45-year-old man from London, was sentenced to eight years and six months in prison for human trafficking and modern slavery. In late November and December 2020, he recruited eight Romanian citizens, including a 15-year-old teenager, promising them legal jobs. Once they arrived in the UK, the victims were deprived of documents, held in inhumane conditions, and forced to work without pay. The situation was exacerbated by the COVID-19 lockdown, and the ordeal ended when the minor contacted the police.

The people were found in deplorable conditions, and one of the victims required surgical intervention due to medical negligence. Magari was arrested and all the victims were repatriated with the help of the authorities. Chief Inspector Mike Stubbins highlighted the courage of the victims and the swift response of the police, which led to Magari's conviction.