Top 14
Toulouse's Maka arrested on 'slavery' charge
Scrum.com
May 27, 2010
Finau Maka in action during the 2007 Rugby World Cup match between South Africa and Tonga held at the Stade Felix Bollaert in Lens in France on September 23, 2007.
Finau Maka is in trouble with French authorities © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Finau Maka
Tournaments/Tours: French Top 14
Teams: France | Tonga | Toulouse

Toulouse back-rower Finau Maka has been arrested for allegedly keeping a young Tunisian man as his 'slave'.

The Tongan international was arrested in the wake of Toulouse's Heineken Cup victory over Biarritz, which he was forced to miss due to a broken cheekbone.

Reports suggest that Maka had been keeping the illegal immigrant at his home, which he shares with his wife and young son, to perform various tasks.

"I received a complaint lodged for modern slavery and dated April 29 in the name of a person who said they were a victim," magistrate Michel Valet told AFP. "I ordered a police investigation, there are still inquiries to be made, the investigation is continuing."

Maka made a memorable impact at the 2007 Rugby World Cup and has been a regular feature of the Toulouse squad for the past eight years, although he was released at the end of the season.

"This is a new case of modern day slavery. The allegations are very serious, and that is the reason this rugby player has been arrested," a police source told The Daily Mail. "The Tunisian involved is believed to be in France illegally, and was living in the player's household, performing numerous tasks."

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