First anti-trafficking court orders issued to Doncaster couple to prevent them trafficking vulnerable people into UK

Slavery and Trafficking Risk Orders (STROs) were granted against Florin-Ciprian Dinu, 20, and Mihaela Dinu, 22, at Doncaster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday this week.

The orders, which are the first secured by the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA), will prevent the pair from arranging travel or transport into the UK for anyone other than their immediate family.

They came after evidence collected by the GLAA raised concerns over workers at risk of being exploited through debt bondage, cramped accommodation, and even the threat of physical violence.

Both defendants, previously of Gladstone Street, Doncaster, have recently returned to their home country of Romania and were not present at court to contest the orders which will be in place until further notice.

GLAA Senior Investigating Officer Dave Powell said: “This is a really positive outcome which demonstrates the determination and professionalism from my team to use all the tools at our disposal to prevent labour abuse.

“The orders imposed first and foremost are about protecting vulnerable workers from slavery and trafficking. Treating workers as commodities is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated by our agency under any circumstances.

“We will closely monitor these orders to ensure that they are being fully adhered to and that our communities are kept safe from the risks of modern slavery and labour exploitation.”

Breaching the order is a criminal offence carrying a maximum penalty of five years in prison.