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Toulouse's Maka arrested on 'slavery' charge
Scrum.com
May 27, 2010
Finau Maka is in trouble with French authorities
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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." © Scrum.com
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