Potential Growth In Modern Slavery In NI

Police in Northern Ireland are reporting a potential upsurge in modern slavery cases, with 33 victims identified in the first half of the year, while 36 victims were identified in the whole of last year.

The exact number of people affected by the crime is unknown as it often goes unreported and undetected.

The PSNI marked Anti-Slavery Day, 18 October, with a number of operations aimed at raising awareness of criminal, sexual and labour exploitation, crimes that deny victims their right to life, safety and freedom.

PSNI Detective Chief Inspector Mark Bell said: "Modern slavery is often an unseen crime as victims can be afraid to speak out or may be being held captive.

"Victims may be trafficked in from other countries and may have language barriers which prevent them from communicating with police or others who could help.

"The criminals prey on vulnerable people, control them by fear and exploit them for their own selfish gains."

Of the 36 victims found last year, one was from Northern Ireland and the rest came from abroad.

Nine children were rescued - five boys and four girls.

Over 20 were freed from labour exploitation, while 14 came from sexual exploitation, one from domestic servitude and one from unknown circumstances.

The PSNI held an event at George Best Belfast City Airport on Thursday, as victims of modern slavery often pass through airports as part of trafficking crimes.

They hope to make people more aware of the tell-tale signs of the offence, which include evidence of a person's movement being controlled, someone not being able to produce their passport or personal documents or someone not having access to their earnings.

"One call could end the misery for a victim who could be living next door to you," DCI Bell added.



(JG/MH)