Man jailed after major Mitcham modern slavery investigation

A car wash owner responsible for trafficking and exploiting eight Romanian nationals has been sentenced to eight years and six months in prison, following a five-year investigation by the Met’s Modern Slavery Unit.

Hewa Margai, 45 (01.01.79) of Carshalton Road, Mitcham was sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on Thursday, 27 November, having been found guilty on Wednesday, 19 November of eight counts of holding a person in slavery or servitude under section 1 of Modern Slavery Act.

Between November and December 2020, eight Romanian nationals, including a 15-year-old boy, were trafficked to the UK under false promises of accommodation, fair pay, food, and legitimate employment. Instead, the victims were deprived of basic human rights, forced to work in Margai's Mitcham car wash, housed in a small room on-site, and routinely subjected to physical, mental and psychological abuse.

During the Covid-19 lockdown, their situation deteriorated further as the victims were confined to the car wash premises, with no access to their travel documents.

Officers received information on Monday, 1 February, 2021, from one of the victims – who was aged just 15 at the time. He said he had been lured to the UK with the promise of a job at the car wash – only to have his ID confiscated by the manager upon arrival.

Police attended the car wash on the same day, where they found two women – aged in their 20s – as well as five men – aged in their teens, 20s and 30s – and the 15-year-old boy. They had been living in a shed on-site for months.

Officers encountered the victims – who spoke minimal English – upon arrival at the car wash, and used Google Translate to speak to them. They disclosed to the police that they had come to the UK via bus, and had only worked for a few weeks prior to the Covid lockdown, during which the car wash was closed. From this point on, they paid rent to Margai, the car wash owner, who had confiscated their IDs.

Following the rescue, one of the victims, a woman in her 20s, developed a severe infection, resulting in hospitalisation and multiple surgeries. This was a direct consequence of the neglect and conditions she endured during her captivity.

At the time of the raid, Margai was out of the country. He was arrested upon his return to the UK on Friday, 12 March, 2021.

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Stubbins, from Central Specialist Crime, said:

“The trauma and ordeal the victims endured cannot be underestimated. They have shown remarkable strength throughout the investigation and played an essential role in providing evidence to ensure Margai is held accountable and receives the appropriate punishment for his crimes.

“I would like to thank the investigation team, who worked tirelessly to identify the victims, ensure their safety and help repatriate them to Romania, where they could be reunited with their friends and family.

“By engaging directly with the victims, the first officers on the scene were able to gather vital information and promptly safeguard the group, resulting in an effective investigation.”

It is vital that communities across London understand that modern slavery happens every day. If you suspect something is wrong or believe people are being exploited, report it to the police immediately by calling 101.

All the victims have since returned home to Romania with the help and support of the Met police and The International Justice Mission.

In addition to the prison sentence, Margai was handed a 10-year Slavery and Trafficking Prevention Order.