Human trafficking is estimated to have increased by 22%
Its third annual ‘strategic assessment of the nature and scale of human trafficking’ suggested that 2,744 people, including 602 children, were potential victims of trafficking for exploitation last year.
The intelligence gathered has highlighted the use of online dating, social media sites and online job adverts have been used to recruit victims.
Most victims come from Romania, and Poland is thought to be the most likely nation for labour trafficking. Of the potential Polish victims, 66% (157) were reported to have been trafficked for labour exploitation.
The UK victims of trafficking are estimated to have increased by 124%, compared to figures from 2012. Of those subjected to labour exploitation, 79% were exploited by the UK traveller community.
In a press statement, Liam Vernon, head of the UKHTC [UK Human Trafficking Centre, part of the NCA], said: “Human trafficking for the purposes of exploitation is an insidious and complex crime, and much of the exploitation is hidden from view.
“The NCA is committed to continually disrupting what is a vicious and criminal trade in human misery, which exploits the most vulnerable people, both here and abroad, for financial gain. Victims are being forced to work in private houses and in hospitality, farming, manufacturing and construction industries. In many cases, threats and violence are used to ensure compliance.”
Paul Broadbent, chief executive of the Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA), told Recruiter: “Just as the numbers of potential trafficking victims mentioned in this report has increased, so has the number of victims being uncovered by the GLA.
“The reason behind this is not necessarily that more people are being trafficked in to the UK for the purpose of labour exploitation but because organisations like the GLA and other bodies are becoming more effective at identifying and detecting it.
“The GLA will continue to pursue those responsible for labour exploitation relentlessly by all lawful, ethical and effective means and will fully support policing and the NCA to achieve this.”
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