Reported Case

In a significant victory for victims of trafficking, the High Court has ruled that kidnap for ransom can constitute exploitation, overturning a Home Office decision that denied protection to an individual abducted and tortured for ransom.

The High Court handed down its judgment in R (AAM) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2025] EWHC 447 (Admin) on March 5, 2025.

AAM challenged the Home Office’s refusal to recognise him as a victim of slavery or human trafficking. While the Home Office accepted his account of being abducted, detained, and tortured for ransom, it failed to classify his experience as exploitation under Article 4 of the European Convention on Action against Trafficking or Regulation 3 of the Slavery and Human Trafficking (Definition of Victim) Regulations 2022.

Mr Justice Macdonald ruled in AAM’s favour, concluding that the Home Office had applied an unlawfully narrow and restrictive approach to defining exploitation. The Court quashed the Home Office’s decision, requiring a lawful reassessment of AAM’s status as a trafficking victim.

Significance of the Ruling

This landmark decision reinforces that victims of kidnap for ransom must not be excluded from trafficking protections, setting a crucial precedent for similar cases.

Jeremy Bloom, Consultant Solicitor at Duncan Lewis Solicitors, said:

“The Court has provided crucial guidance on when kidnap for ransom may constitute exploitation in trafficking claims. The Home Office’s approach has been shown to be unlawful, unfair, and inhumane. This ruling is a victory not just for our client, but for many others who have faced similar refusals. We hope it will lead to better Home Office decision-making and ensure victims subjected to the horrific ordeal of ransom kidnapping receive the protection and support they deserve.”

Read the full judgment: R (AAM) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2025] EWHC 447 (Admin)

Legal Representation

AAM was represented by Jeremy Bloom, and Elizabeth Cole, of Duncan Lewis Solicitors, instructing Miranda Butler (Landmark Chambers) and Ronan Toal (Garden Court Chambers).

Duncan Lewis Solicitors

Duncan Lewis is an award-winning Times Top 250 law firm, which is ranked as Top Tier by both the Chambers and Partners and Legal 500 directories. The company represents clients in more than 25 practice areas across 13 key offices nationwide. This year the company was crowned Law Firm of the Year at the Lexis Nexis awards 2024 and has been noted for its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The firm’s Immigration and Public Law team is particularly renowned for handling complex and high-profile cases involving human rights and asylum seekers. With landmark successes in cases such as Brook House, the Rwanda Challenge, and Manston House, Duncan Lewis continues to provide unparalleled legal representation, ensuring justice for the most vulnerable.

Find full details of this case on Bailii’s website here.