Former NZ rugby player accused of 'modern slavery'

Finau Maka. Photo / Peter Meecham

PARIS - Former Super 14 rugby star Finau Maka is being probed for alleged "modern slavery" in France.

Tongan-born Maka, 33, the younger brother of former All Black Isitolo, was arrested on Tuesday, held for questioning and then released on Wednesday, police in Toulouse said.

He is alleged to have employed and housed a Tunisian man "in disgraceful conditions", according to Le Parisien newspaper.

The Daily Mail reported that police raided the Makas' home after reports that he was living with a young Tunisian man and was treating him with "utter indignity".

Michel Valet, the public prosecutor leading the inquiry, told the Herald: "I received a complaint dating April 29 relating to modern slavery, to use the terms employed by the lawyer, in the name of a person described as [Maka's] victim.

"On May 3, I instructed police to make investigations. The investigation is ongoing."

He said the individual who laid the complaint was a foreign national.

There were no restrictions being placed on the player's movements, he said.

Maka also shares his home with Elizabeth, his wife, and son, Brian, 8.

There is no suggestion that any other family members have been arrested, a Toulouse police source told the Daily Mail.

He added: '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.

"The Tunisian involved is believed to be in France illegally, and was living in the player's household, performing numerous tasks."

Maka's club, Toulouse, last weekend won the Heineken Cup, Europe's most coveted club trophy, beating Biarritz 21-19 at the Stade de France in Paris.

Maka was unable to take part in the win because of a broken cheek bone.

Toulouse posted a brief news item on its website about the arrest. A spokeswoman for the club said it was unlikely that there would be an update today.

A police spokesman confirmed details about the arrest and that an investigation was under way.

Maka grew up in New Zealand, playing for the Blues, Highlanders and Hurricanes before heading for France.

He has been playing for Toulouse since 2002 and helped them win the French championship in 2008.

His contract is up for renewal, according to the French sports daily L'Equipe.

He was one of Tonga's standout players and thanks to a massive afro he sported at the tournament, one of the most recognisable players at the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

Auckland-raised, Maka is a former pupil of Sacred Heart College.