An investigation into a couple who exploited six vulnerable men working at McDonalds near Cambridge will feature on a new documentary this evening (30 September).
Ernest Drevenak, 46, and Veronika Bubencikova, 46, began exploiting the men in 2015 and it continued until police were tipped off in 2019.
The victims were all either homeless, unemployed or in very low paid jobs in the Czech Republic when they were approached individually by associates of the couple. They were promised work, accommodation and a better life in the UK.
The associates put the victims in contact with Drevenak and helped to arrange transport to the UK.
When each of the victims arrived, Drevenak and Bubencikova helped them to get jobs at the McDonald’s on the A428, in Caxton Gibbet.
The men spoke little or no English, but the couple helped with filling in forms, completing online tests and the interview process.
All wages were paid into either bank accounts belonging to the couple or those they had control over.
The victims were paid between £40-120 in cash by the couple every two weeks, despite regularly working 12-16 hour shifts. The remaining balance was kept by Drevenak and Bubencikova.
The men were provided with accommodation at various overcrowded properties, including the couple’s home in Upper Cambourne, where six shared a single room.
At one time, seven men, including the five victims, were staying in a two-bedroom park home near Cambridge.
When the victims were not working at McDonalds, they were forced to perform tasks such as cleaning, decorating and gardening for the couple.
Drevenak and Bubencikova then fraudulently applied for working tax credits and child tax credits in the names of the victims despite there being no children. In one instance fabricating the names of six children and claiming one of the victims had become responsible for these, all to boost the fraudulent benefit claims.
It is estimated the couple stole at least £200,000 from the men over the four-year period.
In October 2019 police received information that workers at the restaurant were being exploited.
Specialist officers from the modern slavery team spoke to the victims at the restaurant on 23 October, with four of the men choosing to leave with the police. This was shortly followed by the fifth victim, and later a sixth.
All went through the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) process, which ensures victims of modern slavery are provided with support and protection.
An investigation into the exploitation took place, with the couple being arrested and their home searched.
Drevenak and Bubencikova denied six counts of holding a person in slavery or servitude, five counts of arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view to exploitation and fraud by false representation.
In October they were found guilty following a trial at Cambridge Crown Court.
On Thursday, 7 December, at the same court Drevenak, of Howard Avenue, Bedford, was jailed for 12-and-a-half years and Bubencikova, of Upper Cambourne, for ten-and-a-half years.
Reporting on the case has been prevented until now due to reporting restrictions.
DC Nick Webber said: “This case goes to show that sadly slavery can happen anywhere.
“Drevenak and Bubencikova preyed on vulnerable people in the Czech Republic who were down on their luck. The idea of work and accommodation in the UK was the dream they were sold – something they didn’t feel they could turn down.
“Drevenak and Bubencikova pretended to befriend the victims and acted as though they were doing them a favour, while all the time stealing thousands of pounds from them. Their crimes will have a significant and long-lasting impact on the victims.
“We have been working closely with McDonalds during this investigation. When they recognised the loophole that allowed these offences to take place, they put measures in place to prevent it happening again, and have provided significant support when relocating the victims.
“We need people to be aware of the signs of modern slavery and report any concerns they have. Please review the information on our website; taking action could help someone out of a desperate situation.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported this investigation. We are fortunate to have a Specialist Victim Care Co-ordinator dedicated to modern slavery who has been integral. The support they have given the victims during the investigation and throughout the trial has been vital.”
Slavery on the High Street will be broadcast at 8.30pm today (30 September) on BBC 1 which can be viewed on iPlayer https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0023h3b/slavery-on-the-high-street.
Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s website provides more information on modern slavery and signs to look out for. Visit the Victim and Witness Hub website for more information on the support available.
