Two Sefton Private Hire drivers arrested on suspicion of human traffickingTWO Merseyside taxi drivers had their licences suspended after being arrested on suspicion of human trafficking.
They were among four Liverpool men held by border agency officials on alleged immigration offences.
The ECHO understands that the pair, who worked for a
private hire company in Sefton, had allegedly been part of a ring that lured and exploited workers from overseas on the promise of a better life.
The men, who have not been named, were listed in a Sefton council report detailing drivers who had been banned from operating.
They, plus the two other city men, were held in County Durham on November 9 after a UK Border Agency operation.
A UKBA spokesman confirmed: “Four men from the Liverpool area aged 20, 21, 22 and 25, were arrested in County Durham earlier this month on suspicion of immigration offences.
“All are currently on bail pending further enquiries.”
Sefton Council suspended the drivers’ permits in the “public interest” following their arrest for alleged “human trafficking”. No charges have yet been brought.
The serious allegations were listed in a public paper detailing 10 cab drivers who had their permits refused, revoked or suspended between September and late November.
One private hire driver was banned for a serious drugs conviction, while another was “no longer considered fit and proper” after displaying “unacceptable” behaviour.
Another black cab driver was suspended after being charged with possessing drugs and breaching a harassment order.
Five would-be drivers were denied licences after receiving convictions for cultivating cannabis, a serious theft, an assault and two drink-driving offences.
Nine other drivers appeared in the courts for offences in Sefton related to their trade.
George Halsall, a Southport-based cab driver, agreed: “It is important to have procedures in place that protect the public.”
source:
http://www.southportvisiter.co.uk/
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