Ioana Nedelcu successfully opposes the imposition of a slavery and trafficking risk order in Operation Huai
Ioana Nedelcu, instructed by Lloyds PR, successfully opposed the imposition of a slavery and trafficking risk order against a Respondent in Operation Huai.
Slavery and Trafficking Risk Orders are often sought and imposed against suspects who are under investigation for slavery offences. The restrictions imposed limit their liberties and often stop them from travelling (including returning to their home country) before any criminal charges are even brought upon them.
Following a three day hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court, Ioana argued that if such a trafficking conspiracy ever existed, her client was most likely a victim and the police have ignored clear modern slavery hallmarks in the evidence by relying solely on one unreliable witness who had given three different accounts on a number of occasions. District Judge Goozee, delivering judgement on Friday 6th November 2020, agreed with Ioana's submissions. Without the necessary finding of fact, the application made on behalf of the Metropolitan police was dismissed.
These proceedings are civil in nature and involve complex arguments on the law. Ioana is regularly instructed to either oppose, amend or vary these type of orders.
