The number of potential victims of trafficking and modern slavery
reported to the authorities rose by more than a third, according
to a new report released by the National Crime Agency.
The National Referral Mechanism end of year summary shows that in
2017 5145 potential victims were referred into the system,
up from 3804 in 2016.
And for the first time British citizens were the largest
nationality recorded in the figures, up from 326 in 2016 to 819
in 2017.
The increase in British numbers is largely down to an increase in
minors being referred into the NRM as suspected victims of labour
or sexual exploitation, up 66 per cent. This increase is due in
part to a rise in ‘County Lines’ gang exploitation referrals,
where minors had been exploited by criminals involved in drug
supply. These are recorded in the labour exploitation category.
NCA Director Will Kerr said:
“It is our assessment that the increase we are seeing here is
driven by an increased awareness and greater reporting of modern
slavery and that is to be welcomed.
“However, it also adds further evidence to our view that the
figures almost certainly represent an underestimate of the true
scale of slavery and trafficking in the UK.”
Those referred as victims of modern slavery and human trafficking
(MSHT) came from 116 different nationalities, with UK, Albanian
and Vietnamese nationals remaining the most commonly reported
victims.
The majority (4715) were referred to English police forces for
crime recording purposes, with 207 referred in Scotland, 193 in
Wales and 31 in Northern Ireland.
Will Kerr said:
“What this report reinforces is that we are now dealing with an
evolving threat.
“The criminals involved in these types of exploitation are going
into online spaces, particularly adult services website, to
enable their criminality.
“We are also seeing increasing crossovers between slavery and
organised immigration crime outside of the UK. Often the same
criminal networks are involved in transportation, and migrants
themselves are vulnerable to labour and sexual exploitation
during their journeys and after.
“Particularly concerning to us is the rise in young people being
exploited for sexual purposes or drug trafficking.
“Overall our knowledge and intelligence is improving, and MSHT
remains a high priority for law enforcement. But we cannot bring
a halt to it alone, we need support and assistance from across
the public and private sectors, NGOs and most of all the public
themselves.”
The National Referral Mechanism is a framework for identifying
victims of modern slavery or human trafficking and ensuring they
receive the appropriate support. It is also the mechanism through
which the NCA collects data about victims, helping to build a
clearer picture about the scope of the threat.
Under the existing NRM process potential victims are referred by
‘first responders’, including police, public bodies and a number
of specified NGOs to one of two competent authorities, the NCA’s
Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Unit for EEA nationals, and
the Home Office for non-EEA cases, to make a decision about their
status. Not all individuals referred to the NRM will ultimately
be assessed to be modern slavery victims.
The Minister for Crime, Safeguarding and Vulnerability, said:
“Modern slavery and trafficking are despicable crimes which see
some of the most vulnerable people in society targeted by
ruthless predators.
“This Government is leading the world in our response to this
horrendous crime – through the Modern Slavery Act 2015 giving law
enforcement the powers they need to pursue offenders and working
to bring this issue out of the shadows and increase awareness
among police, front line workers and the general
public.
“These figures show that more potential victims are being
identified and protected thanks to a greater awareness and
improved understanding of modern slavery. We are also beginning
to see the operational results of the renewed focus on modern
slavery, with over 600 live police operations underway, and the
first conviction of county lines gang members under the Modern
Slavery Act. But we know there is more to do, and we are working
to improve the system for identifying victims and supporting them
to leave situations of exploitation and begin to recover and
rebuild their lives.”
In October 2017 the government announced reforms to the NRM to
improve identification of and support for victims of modern
slavery. Further details about these reforms can be found
at: www.gov.uk/government/news/modern-slavery-victims-to-receive-longer-period-of-support.
