Two men charged with keeping '10 Romanian slaves at a car wash in Southampton for five months'

150 officers raid businesses in south coast anti-slavery clamp down



10 alleged victims being cared for in a special reception centre

Police warn motorists against using car washes that are 'too good to be true'



Two brothers have been charged with keeping ten slaves at a hand car-wash following a brief court hearing yesterday afternoon.



Kreshnik and Avdi Didi, both with addresses in Hampshire were both accused of ten counts of knowingly holding another person in slavery or servitude.



The men were arrested following a major operation which included Hampshire Police, the National Crime Agency and the Home Office, involving an estimated 150 officers.



Two brothers have been charged with holding ten men as 'slaves' at their Dida Hand Car Wash business in Southampton

Kreshnik and Avdi Dida are accused of holding the ten Romanian men in servitude for up to five months following a multi-agency raid on their premises in Southampton

Chief Superintendent Dave Hardcastle warned motorists that if they think a service is 'too good to be true' they should consider whether it is 'above board'

Both men were bailed yesterday at Southampton Magistrates' Court to appear at Southampton Crown Court on June 13.



Hampshire police said ten people have been identified as 'potential victims of exploitation' after officers raided a number of car wash businesses in the Southampton area.



The potential victims are all from Romania and have been taken to a special reception centre.

Southampton Magistrates' court heard that the alleged victims - aged between 19 and 42 - had been held for up to five months.

Southampton Magistrates' Court, pictured bailed the two brothers to reappear at Southampton Crown Court next month

Chief Superintendent Dave Hardcastle said: 'Yesterday’s action was about bringing together different agencies to respond to a national picture of car wash businesses that show some have links to organised crimes such as human trafficking and servitude and may also come to the attention of other agencies looking at issues of minimum wages, tax, immigration and pollution.

'Many car washes are legitimately run, but those that aren’t can have a significant impact on our communities.

'If you get your vehicle washed at one of these sites and it seems too good to be true, ask yourself what’s the real cost and is anyone being exploited?

'If you have any concerns about such sites, you can always call us.

'It is important to note that the majority of these businesses operate legitimately.

