Four people charged following human trafficking operation in Perthshire
Officers arrested four people yesterday morning following an intelligence-led human trafficking operation in Perthshire.
Two search warrants were executed in the Blairgowrie area and three men aged 37, 39 and 53 and a 53-year-old woman were subsequently charged. They will appear at court on Monday.
The activity – called Operation Barramundi - was launched after information was received from the UK Government's National Referral Mechanism, the framework for identifying and referring potential victims of modern slavery. An enquiry team consisting of officers from Tayside and Police Scotland’s Specialist Crime Division have been working closely with partner agencies including Perth and Kinross Council, Migrant Help and the Gangmasters Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA), in relation to the investigation and to provide necessary support.
Resources from Police Scotland’s Operational Support Unit, the National Human Trafficking Unit as well as staff from GLAA, based elsewhere in the UK, were all involved in yesterday’s activity.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Marc Lorente, said: “First and foremost, I would like to thank the local communities where this activity was carried out for their patience, as well as our partners for their ongoing support.
“I would urge anyone with information about potential human trafficking offences in their area to contact the Police so that further enquiries can be carried out. Police, other enforcement agencies and partners cannot tackle the wider issue of human trafficking alone - we also need the public to work with us if we are to identify and help vulnerable individuals being exploited.
“If you suspect exploitation is happening in your community, please report it.”
Police Scotland recently launched a national campaign to raise awareness about modern slavery, asking people to be aware and vigilant of the signs of exploitation and explaining what people should do if they have concerns.
Detective Superintendent Fil Capaldi, Head of Police Scotland's Human Trafficking Unit, said: "Police Scotland is committed to identifying and uncovering exploitation networks. This can only be achieved by working collaboratively nationally and internationally with law enforcement partners, to collate information and intelligence that will allow us to pursue organised criminal gangs engaged in human trafficking and exploitation.
“We will utilise all investigative methods at our disposal to bring those who engage in this vile and inhumane trade to justice. The public have a significant role in achieving this and to help make Scotland a hostile environment for traffickers.
“Modern slavery and human trafficking have no place in our communities.
For more information on the campaign visit endlabourexploitation.co.uk
You can report any concerns to Police Scotland via 101 or via the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700.
