Partnership working is key to eradicating the “heinous crime” of human trafficking, the justice secretary has said.
Kenny MacAskill spoke out as a new leaflet aimed at raising awareness of some of the possible signs someone may have been the victim of trafficking was launched.
The leaflet has been designed by Police Scotland, with input from the Scottish Government and others, and will be distributed throughout the business community.
It follows on from earlier measures to combat the problem, with Police Scotland establishing a National Human Trafficking Unit and the Scottish Government having recently brought forward proposals for human trafficking to become a statutory aggravation, allowing this to be taking into account if someone is being prosecuted for other offences.
Mr MacAskill said: “Human trafficking destroys the lives of those who are exploited by criminals and forced into manual labour, sex or domestic servitude.
“The Scottish Government, alongside our partners, committed to do more to tackling this abhorrent crime at the recent human trafficking summit and the launch of this aware-raising initiative is proof that we are making significant inroads.”
He added: “There is no doubt that the key to eradicating this crime is partnership working. That is why this collective approach is so important and influential for work going forward.”
While traffickers are often known to their victims, human trafficking can be linked to organised crime groups.
Members of the public and businesses are being asked to be on the lookout for signs someone may have been trafficked, including having had their documents removed, being afraid or anxious, living in poor conditions, a lack of access to earnings, having no time off and having threats made against their family.
Assistant Chief Constable Malcolm Graham, head of major crime and public protection at Police Scotland, said: “It is crucial that members of the public, who become aware of potential signs of human trafficking, report any concerns to police.
“Police Scotland will pro-actively target any individual who is believed to be taking advantage of desperate and vulnerable people or willing to trade misery for profit.
“Anyone found to be a potential victim of trafficking or any other crime will be provided with assistance and support from Police Scotland and respective partner agencies.”
Scotland’s top prosecutor, Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland QC, said human trafficking was “one of the most contemptible crimes committed”.
He added: “The Crown will prosecute wherever there is sufficient evidence of human trafficking.”