Crime Solicitors

A woman from Alum Rock in east Birmingham has been charged with keeping four men captive at her home and treating them as slaves.

Vasilica Panaghita, 54, appeared before Birmingham Magistrates on Friday (10/01/14), after the four men were discovered living in a “lean to” building at her address in Alum Rock Road in Birmingham last Monday. It is believed they had been living there for a year and have now been given shelter by the Salvation Army.

Panaghita – who is unemployed – was charged with four counts of knowingly holding another person in slavery or servitude. She will appear at Birmingham Crown Court on 18 April.

Under Article 4 of the Human Rights Act, holding another person in slavery or servitude and treating them like your own property or using them for forced labour is an offence. The men found at Panaghita’s home were allegedly kept in “squalid” conditions.

West Midlands Police confirmed that another eight people were also arrested in connection with trafficking offences and have been bailed pending further investigations – of the eight people arrested and bailed, four are men and four are women.

The police investigation which led to the discovery of the four men at Panaghita’s house in east Birmingham was assisted by the National Crime Agency.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) replaced the Serious Organised Crime Agency in October as the UK’s national law enforcement agency. The NCA remit involves tackling people trafficking and illegal immigration to the UK.

The NCA also targets offenders who commit serious crime, child abuse and financial crime.

Duncan Lewis Crime Lawyers

Duncan Lewis Solicitors is a leading firm of crime lawyers and can advise on serious crime charges, including rape, murder, child abuse, slavery charges and serious fraud.

Duncan Lewis crime lawyers are available nationally 24/7 – in London our team is based at four offices across the capital and a member of the Duncan Lewis crime law team can be with you in 45 minutes.

For expert advice on all criminal charges at any stage of a charge contact Duncan Lewis crime lawyers on 0220 7923 40202 – or contact the Duncan Lewis Emergency Hotline on 0203 7275 2036 for urgent crime advice or legal representation at police stations or courts.