Skye man faces gangmaster allegation
Sixteen foreign workers are in the care of the authorities following a man's arrest on Skye.
Vitalie Cacicovshi, 38, of Portree, appeared at Inverness Sheriff Court on Tuesday charged with alleged offences under the Gangmaster Act 2004.
He made no plea or declaration, was committed for further examination and remanded in custody.
Mr Cacicovshi was arrested following investigations as part of Operation Pageant, which involves the police.
The Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) and UK Border Agency were also involved.
The 16 people, who were believed to be Romanians working as shellfish pickers, are in the care of the UK Human Trafficking Centre and British Red Cross.
Officers from the SOCA and UK Border Agency were understood to be carrying out inquiries in Romania as part of the operation.