An Aberdeen man is facing court accused of illegally bringing someone into the country and forcing him to work for free.
Zbignew Matla appeared in the dock at Aberdeen Sheriff Court today facing charges under the Asylum and Immigration Act and Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Scotland) Act.
The 64-year-old, of Grandholme Court, Aberdeen, is alleged to have “arranged or facilitated the departure of a passenger from a country other than the United Kingdom” with the intent of exploiting him or in the belief that another person was likely to exploit him.
Matla pled not guilty
The charge alleges Matla advertised and offered the man paid employment, accommodation and food, but kept him at Flobbans, New Aberdour, and “forced him to carry out unpaid labour”.
That charge is said to have occurred between the start of 2015 and May 2016.
A second charge alleges Matla “recruited” the man by advertising and offering him paid employment, accommodation and food, then keeping him at the address in Flobbans and with a view to him being exploited with forced labour.
Matla entered a plea of not guilty through solicitor Leonard Burkinshaw.
Sheriff Morag McLaughlin fixed a further pre-trial hearing for August.
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