Four men sentenced to 32 years for slavery conspiracy

Clockwise from top left: Seweryn Szymt, Robert Majewski, Sebastian Mandzik and Pawel Majewski Credit: Northumbria Police

Four men have been sentenced to a total of 32 years for their involvement in a large scale slavery operation, which saw vulnerable people brought into the UK on the promise of well-paid work.

Polish nationals were housed in cramped conditions and forced into labour, with their wages being paid into specially set up bank accounts over which the criminal group had complete control.

Sebastian Mandzik, Robert Majewski, Pawel Majewski and Seweryn Szymt were all involved in the scheme, which saw people trafficked to the UK to be exploited as modern slaves. Any resistance from the workers resulted in violence and intimidation by the gang.

The four men received the following sentences:

  • Sebastian Mandzik was sentenced to 12 years

  • Robert Majewski was sentenced to 8 years

  • Pawel Majewski was sentenced to 7 years

  • Seweryn Szymt was sentenced to 5 years

Speaking after the sentencing, Northumbria Police says human trafficking and modern day slavery has become an "increasing issue" in Northumbria and across the country.