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Elite multi-agency intelligence unit starts work to tackle human trafficking (19 April 2017)

Date: 19/04/2017
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, Elite multi-agency intelligence unit starts work to tackle human trafficking

Home Secretary Amber Rudd has announced radical reforms to boost support for slavery victims in the UK, as a new, elite, multi-agency intelligence unit starts work to tackle human trafficking.

The Home Secretary visited the new £1 million government-funded Joint Slavery Trafficking Analysis Centre, comprising analysts from the National Crime Agency (NCA), police, Border Force, Immigration Enforcement, HMRC and the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority. The unit mirrors a joint working model successfully used to gather vital intelligence on terrorism.

Ms Rudd observed the unit’s first days of operation, with a team of analytical experts who will be embedded in the National Crime Agency to help tackle cross-border and domestic slavery.

The Home Secretary revealed the first focus of the centre – which will see expert analysts from each partner join forces to maximise results – will be on adult victims of sexual exploitation.

Amber Rudd said:

“It is exactly this kind of co-operation between the police, Border Force, the National Crime Agency and others that will be our way of getting at the people traffickers.

“The centre will enable us to have a co-ordinated push against the organised crime groups that are at the heart of the trade in human beings and human misery.

“Our message to the perpetrators is clear – we are coming after you and there is nowhere to hide.”


The launch comes as new NCA figures reveal the growing scale of the global crisis, with victims referred for help in the UK now coming from 108 different countries in just one year.

Many have also been exploited from within the UK, with Britain the third most common country of origin.

More victims of slavery than ever before are now receiving help, says the Home Office – the Home Secretary welcomed the 17% rise, as more potential victims are identified and have the confidence to come forward. However, she acknowledged the need to “shake up” the current system to ensure they had the support they needed.

“In this country alone, there are thousands of poor souls being exploited and abused – many of them will have come here on the promise of a better life: those hopes will have been crushed,” the Home Secretary added.

New figures this week show that more than 3,800 potential victims from 108 different countries were referred to support in 2016 via the National Referral Mechanism, which is the system the Home Office established for identifying victims of human trafficking and modern slavery.

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors

Allegations of involvement in human trafficking are very serious and require the expertise of a specialist criminal solicitor with expertise in defending human trafficking charges and cases involving the Human Rights Act.

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors can advise on charges relating to human trafficking before a charge is brought – or if there is a possibility a client may face interview under caution in a human trafficking police investigation.

Human trafficking offences may involve adults, or specifically women or children – often with a view to exploiting a vulnerable individual for the purposes of modern slavery, the sex trade, bogus marriages or even as an organ donor.

There are Duncan Lewis offices across England and Wales – and a Duncan Lewis criminal defence solicitor can usually reach a police station for interview under caution within an hour.

For expert legal advice on sexual offences, call Duncan Lewis crime lawyers on 0333 772 0409.

For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis Solicitors 24-Hour Emergency Helpline on 0333 772 0607.

Call us now on 033 3772 0409 or click here to send online enquiry.
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