Two police officers who foiled a modern slavery ring in Nottinghamshire which spanned all the way to Poland have been awarded for their actions.
Detective Constable Sarah Fearn and Police Constable Patryk Krasinski were awarded on Thursday, October 17, at Nottinghamshire Police's awards evening.
In May 2015, two vulnerable adults were trafficked into the UK from Poland. Bank accounts were opened in their name and totally controlled by the offenders.
The two men were placed at work in a warehouse, receiving just £20 per week from their wages, from which they were charged further expenses.
Police said the offenders were often abusive and threatening towards both men, who lived in fear of violence.
The officers were alerted to the situation in December 2016 and one of the victims was rescued.
As the offenders managed to escape the UK, officers applied for a European Arrest Warrant, which resulted in an extradition of the suspects back to Nottinghamshire to face the judicial system.
Police said this was the first investigation of this type held in Nottinghamshire and involved complex inquiries into bank accounts and mobile phone records to establish the level of exploitation.
A further victim was identified in Poland and he agreed to return to the UK to give evidence.
The two offenders appeared at court in June 2019.
Police said the combination of strong evidence and witnesses ensured both pleaded guilty.
Denis Paczkowski, 38, of Aspley, was jailed for human trafficking, forced labour and money laundering.
The courts heard he brought two vulnerable men from Poland to Nottingham with the promise of work but then took control of their bank accounts and only gave each of them £20 a week to live on.
One of the victims, aged 40, was previously homeless and was targeted at a homeless shelter in Gdansk, Poland, because of his vulnerability.
Paczkowski was sentenced to three years in prison.
He and his partner Sara Dabrowska, 30, who admitted money laundering, then used the proceeds of the men's money to fund their lifestyle.
Dabrowska admitted money laundering and was sentenced to 10 months' imprisonment – suspended for two years.
A Proceeds of Crime Act confiscation order totalling £42,508 for the pair was also ordered by the court.
Detective Sergeant Mike Ebbins, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: "This was a complex investigation with vulnerable victims brought into this country with the sole purpose of being exploited.
"One victim was made homeless in Poland after his parents had passed away and his family home taken away from him; he was targeted by the offenders who promised him a better life in the UK but on arriving he was made to work long hours for no money.
"Evidence was obtained across two countries with assistance from the Polish authorities proving vital in identifying further victims of crime.
"Praise should go to both DC Krasinski and DC Fearn who worked tirelessly to get this to trial, supporting his victims and working closely with his colleagues in Poland. They both fully deserve this award and I'd like to congratulate the pair.
"Combatting slavery remains a priority for Nottinghamshire Police and the result demonstrates that modern slavery will not be tolerated in Nottinghamshire."
