Zagreb: 27-year-old held young man in slavery for years and forced him to steal
Zagreb police have detained a 27-year-old man suspected of human trafficking — he abused a 21-year-old for years and forced him to steal clothing and perfume.
Victim escaped from abuser with help of security guard at shopping centre
Zagreb police have concluded a criminal investigation against a 27-year-old man suspected of the serious criminal offence of human trafficking, according to Index.hr. The injured party is a 21-year-old young man whom the suspect had held for years in a state of fear and complete subjugation, exploiting his poorer physical and mental health.
Investigators determined that the 27-year-old — known to police for a number of previous criminal offences — forced the victim to steal expensive clothing and perfume from shops. He would confiscate the stolen goods from her and resell them to unknown persons, obtaining unlawful material gain.
He established control over the young man through force and threats. In April this year the abuse escalated: the suspect physically assaulted the victim, took his mobile phone and money, and threatened him with a firearm. When the young man refused to carry out a new order, the 27-year-old threatened him with death, and with death to his family members.
"The injured party, out of fear for his own life and the lives of his family members, confirmed to the suspect that he would, at his request, steal perfume at a shopping centre in New Zagreb," police announced.
However, when they arrived at the shopping centre, the victim found courage. Instead of stealing, he immediately approached the security guard and asked for help. The security guard called the police, who soon arrested the suspect.
Police emphasised that the 27-year-old had created a relationship of dependence and control over the victim contrary to the provisions of international law, the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights, and conventions on the prevention of human trafficking and forced labour.
After completing the investigation, the suspect was handed over to a detention supervisor, and a special report was submitted to the competent state prosecutor's office.
Source: Index.hr