BBC: Czechs exploited as modern-day slaves at UK McDonald's

A group of Czech nationals were exploited as modern-day slaves in a UK branch of McDonald’s and in a pastry factory, the BBC has reported. According to its findings, a criminal gang exploited 16 vulnerable individuals from Czechia over a period of more than four years, while the companies involved allegedly ignored warning signs.

The victims, many of whom were homeless or struggling with drug addiction, were forced to work in either a fast-food restaurant or a factory supplying baked goods to major supermarket chains.

Although they were paid at least the legal minimum wage, nearly all of their earnings were seized by the gang. In some cases, four workers' wages were paid into a single account. The exploited individuals were living in cramped, substandard conditions, while their earnings were used to fund the gang’s luxury lifestyle.