The alleged ringleader of a trafficking gang which forced people to work in a bakery and took their wages has appeared in court.

One victim was even used as an unpaid domestic servant, Westminster Magistrates Court was told.

Zdenek Drevenak (CORR), 33, along with three other men, moved vulnerable people from the Czech Republic to the UK, it is alleged.

The court heard the group brought over four people who they made work in a bakery and took their wages.

The Czech national, who lives in Enfield, was arrested under a European arrest warrant in his home country after a joint investigation with British police and authorities there.

Deputy District Judge Godfrey was told one of the victims was also kept as a domestic servant without pay.

Drevenak faces 10 charges including four of holding a person in slavery or servitude, three of arranging or facilitating travel for another person with a view to exploitation, and three charges of converting, transferring, and removing criminal property.

One of the charges read out states: "Forcing them to work in bakery and taking their wages from them."

He denies all charges.

Prosecuting, Matthew Barrowcliffe said: “This defendant is one of four ringleaders of an organised criminal network who channelled vulnerable adults from a particular area of the Czech Republic.

“One was kept as a domestic servant and the others have been employed in a legitimate business but the wages were held by the traffickers.

“The other three are apparently at Southwark Crown Court for a trial in April next year.”

When asked about how Drevenak responded to the allegations, his solicitor Donal Lawler said: “Flat denial of forced compulsory labour or trafficking.

Drevenak, will next appear at Southwark Crown Court on January 3 for a hearing to link his case to the three other defendants.