Three people have been jailed for human trafficking, forced labour and money laundering in Enfield.

The investigation began in 2019 to uncover the exploitation of vulnerable men and women.

Police believed the crimes dated back to 2012.

Information received from Czech Police suggested the involvement of a group suspected of working together in London, Cambridge and Bedford.

The group targeted people from the Czech Republic to exploit them for financial gain.

The court heard that the group made up to £400,000 per year from their illegal activity.

Met Police officers reviewed 1,505 hours of CCTV footage from a house in Enfield to gather evidence.

The team found that the group who have been jailed was involved in forcing vulnerable adults into forced labour, domestic servitude and sex work.

They promised these vulnerable adults jobs and accommodation in the UK.

The victims were then transported via coach, plane and car to Durant’s Road in Enfield.

Once there some victims were made to work at fast-food chains in Caxton, Cambridgeshire or a pita bread bakery in Hoddesdon and Tottenham. 

The victims, who couldn’t speak English, were deceived into signing contracts that allowed their wages go into the defendant’s bank accounts.

This helped the defendants avoid following labour laws by making the victims work long hours of 10-12 hours a day without any breaks.

Even though the victims were supposed to earn £300 per week, they only received a small amount between £10-50 as pocket money.

On top of this, the victims were charged £150 per week for rent. 

As part of the operation, Met detectives safeguarded twelve victims.

On Friday, October 4, 2024 all three defendants were sentenced at Southwark Crown Court.

Zdenek Drevenak, 38, of Crane Street, Huntingdon was sentenced to thirteen years imprisonment.

Jiri Cernohous, 49, of Spenser Road, Bedford was sentenced to nine years imprisonment.

Martin Slovjak, 46, of Cambridge Road, Croxton was sentenced to four years imprisonment.

Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy from the Central Specialist Crime unit leading the investigation, said: “Our priority at the Met is to tackle modern slavery and human trafficking, targeting dangerous and exploitative offenders as we continue to transform how we protect vulnerable people from harm. 

 “Modern slavery offenders are cruel and seek to benefit from people who often have hopes and dreams for a better life, forcing them into bleak conditions and taking advantage of them.  

“By raising awareness, supporting victims and holding these criminals accountable, we can work towards eradicating modern slavery and human trafficking from our communities.” 

The investigation team found that the group was involved in forcing vulnerable adults into forced

Debi Lloyd, Head of UK Counter Trafficking Operation at Justice and Care said: “This has been a long running and complex case and it has been our privilege to support the survivors. 

“These men and women faced horrific exploitation that no human being should ever be put through, and the courage they have shown throughout the investigation amid incredibly difficult circumstances has been astounding. 

“We also applaud the tireless work of the police involved in this case.

“This sentencing shows how our navigators are essential in empowering survivors throughout the criminal justice process and enabling investigation teams to build strong cases”.