A survivor of modern slavery, whose brutal beating first alerted authorities to his ordeal, is now working with ITV's Emmerdale to expose the grim reality of human trafficking in the UK.
From Hospital Stitches to Freedom
In 2021, a Slovakian man in his late 50s, referred to as Jakub*, arrived at an A&E department with a severe gash running from his forehead down over his left eye. He explained to hospital staff and police that he had been assaulted by the son of a couple he had been living with for three years. The family had also confiscated all his official documents and opened a bank account in his name, which only they could access.
Jakub received 24 stitches but was too terrified to press charges. "I had to go back to that house and if I did, what would happen then? The violence would escalate even more," the now 61-year-old recalled. He was a victim of modern slavery, having been lured to the UK with promises of a better life, only to be trapped in forced labour, paid pennies, and living in dreadful conditions.
Informing a Powerful Soap Narrative
After finally securing his freedom in June 2022, Jakub began sharing his experiences with the cast and producers of Emmerdale. The soap is running a hard-hitting, long-term storyline exploring modern slavery, developed in close consultation with The Salvation Army for months to ensure authenticity.
The plot first emerged earlier in 2025 when teenage characters April and Dylan were manipulated into a cycle of crime by trafficker Ray. A special episode later revealed that an older character, Bear, played by Joshua Richards, had also fallen victim to Ray and his mother, Celia.
In preparation for the role, Joshua Richards met with Jakub. The actor said the encounter had a profound impact, revealing he was struck by Jakub's intelligence and dignity, and how easily such manipulation could occur.
A Hidden Crisis in Plain Sight
Statistics from The Salvation Army highlight the ongoing crisis. In 2025, they supported 2,409 potential victims from over 100 nationalities – 332 fewer than the year before. However, the charity warns this decrease is not a cause for celebration. They believe it is linked to survivors' fears of being treated as criminals rather than victims, especially among those trafficked into the UK.
Kathy Betteridge, The Salvation Army’s Director of Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery, stated: "Modern slavery remains a widespread problem in every town, village and city. Criminals prey on vulnerability... We are deeply concerned that victims are being silenced by fear and left in the shadows."
Jakub's Story of Coercion and Control
Jakub's nightmare began three years before his hospital visit. Struggling financially in Slovakia, he accepted an offer from a childhood couple who had moved to England, promising him work and accommodation.
Initially, all seemed well, but he was given a tiny, barren box room. Soon, the couple's relatives moved in, but Jakub was the only one working, undertaking labour-intensive night shifts at a chicken factory. Despite being promised £500 a week, he never saw his wages. The couple had opened a bank account in his name, funnelling all his earnings to themselves and giving him just £50 weekly "pocket money." They also took out credit in his name, plunging him into debt.
When Jakub discovered the fraud and confronted them, their son violently beat him, leading to his hospitalisation. This became a routine occurrence, with the family threatening worse if he ever tried to leave. Without his passport, control of his finances, or fluent English, he felt utterly trapped and unaware of support services.
The Road to Recovery and Advocacy
Jakub's escape came unexpectedly in spring 2022 when the family threw him out, leaving him homeless with only the clothes on his back. He slept in a park for months, relying on a food bank and the kindness of strangers.
A chance meeting with a former colleague prompted him to confess everything to his boss, who contacted the police. This led Jakub to The Salvation Army. With their support, he secured housing, had his fraudulent debts written off, accessed medical care, and received a proper income.
The safety finally allowed his trauma to surface. "This is when the depression kicked in," he said. "Emotions started bursting out of me... It was like a stone falling off my heart." He was formally identified as a victim of forced labour, a form of modern slavery.
Now rebuilding his life, Jakub is taking an interpreter course and focusing on art and photography. "I've never given up," he affirmed. "Every day is a new day, and my story is just beginning now."
The Emmerdale storyline has already had a direct impact. The Salvation Army confirmed that one person came forward for support directly as a result of a viewer spotting something concerning in the show and reporting it. This demonstrates the powerful role media can play in shedding light on this hidden crime.
*Name has been changed to protect identity.
