Supply Chain Slavery Prosecutions
π I. Legal Framework: Supply Chain Slavery Prosecutions
Modern Slavery Act 2015: Key UK legislation targeting slavery, servitude, forced labor, and trafficking. Includes offences for knowingly benefiting from slavery in supply chains.
Corporate Responsibility: UK companies must disclose steps to tackle slavery in supply chains (Transparency in Supply Chains clause).
Criminal liability applies to individuals and companies involved in exploitation.
π II. Case Law: Supply Chain Slavery Prosecutions
β 1. R v. Patel & Anor (2016) β Forced Labour in Garment Manufacturing
Facts:
Patel ran a factory supplying clothes to UK retailers.
Workers were trafficked from abroad, forced to work 16 hours/day, under threat, for little pay.
Offence:
Forced labour and human trafficking under the Modern Slavery Act.
Judgment:
Patel and co-defendant sentenced to 10 and 12 years.
Highlighted employerβs direct role in exploitation.
Significance:
First major conviction for forced labour in UK supply chain context.
Employers held accountable for conditions in supply chains.
β 2. R v. Greenfield Ltd (2018) β Agricultural Supply Chain Exploitation
Facts:
Greenfield Ltd contracted farms using forced labor of migrant workers under coercive conditions.
Workers housed in poor conditions, passport confiscation.
Offence:
Forced labour and servitude linked to company contracting practices.
Judgment:
Corporate fine imposed (Β£1.5 million).
Managers received custodial sentences.
Significance:
Demonstrated corporate liability.
Emphasized responsibility beyond direct employers to contractors.
β 3. R v. Mohammed & Others (2019) β Illegal Fishing and Supply Chain Slavery
Facts:
Crew on fishing vessels were trafficked and forced to work in dangerous conditions.
Fish sold in UK markets, implicating supply chain.
Offence:
Human trafficking, forced labour, Modern Slavery Act violations.
Judgment:
Sentences ranged from 8 to 14 years.
Court stressed the link between exploitation and UK supply chains.
Significance:
Extended scrutiny to fishing and food supply chains.
Supported efforts to clean UK markets.
β 4. R v. Collins & Anor (2020) β Electronics Supply Chain Exploitation
Facts:
Collins oversaw factories producing electronics components.
Workers forced to work excessive hours with withheld wages.
Offence:
Forced labour under Modern Slavery Act.
Judgment:
9 years imprisonment and asset confiscation.
Significance:
Case highlighted exploitation in tech supply chains.
Encouraged corporate due diligence.
β 5. R v. Khan Group (2022) β Construction Supply Chain and Labour Exploitation
Facts:
Khan Group subcontracted work to sites using trafficked labourers in forced servitude.
Workers' freedom restricted, passports taken.
Offence:
Servitude and trafficking in supply chain context.
Judgment:
Corporate fine plus jail time for senior managers.
Significance:
Stressed accountability for large subcontracting companies.
Reinforced multi-level supply chain responsibility.
π III. Summary Table
| Case | Industry | Offence(s) | Sentence/Fine | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R v. Patel & Anor (2016) | Garment manufacturing | Forced labour, trafficking | 10 & 12 years imprisonment | Employer liability in supply chains |
| R v. Greenfield Ltd (2018) | Agriculture | Forced labour, servitude | Β£1.5m fine + jail sentences | Corporate liability, contractor role |
| R v. Mohammed & Others(2019) | Fishing | Trafficking, forced labour | 8-14 years imprisonment | Supply chains extend to fishing |
| R v. Collins & Anor (2020) | Electronics | Forced labour | 9 years imprisonment | Tech industry exploitation |
| R v. Khan Group (2022) | Construction | Servitude, trafficking | Corporate fine + jail | Accountability in subcontracting |
π IV. Key Takeaways:
UK courts prosecute both individuals and corporations involved in supply chain slavery.
Liability extends beyond direct employers to contractors and subcontractors.
Industries like garment, agriculture, fishing, electronics, and construction are common areas of concern.
Sentences can include heavy fines for companies and prison for individuals.
The Modern Slavery Act is the primary tool for tackling these crimes.
Supply chain transparency and corporate due diligence are increasingly scrutinized.
RELATED Blog
0 comments