WIREDGOV

The National Crime Agency’s Organised Crime Command has today published National Referral Mechanism (NRM) data for 2013.
 
There were 1746 referrals of potential victims of human trafficking during the year, representing a 47% increase on 2012 referral totals. The potential trafficking victims were from 112 countries of origin.

Liam Vernon, Head of the NCA’s UK Human Trafficking Centre, said:

“Increased awareness, both of human trafficking in its various forms and the obligation of first responders to use the National Referral Mechanism, is a likely contributor to the increased number of referrals in 2013.

“We know that this is a crime which affects some of society’s most vulnerable people, and some victims will remain undetected. Equally, some of those referred to the NRM may not ultimately be classified as victims of human trafficking. Law enforcement operations across the UK, allied to the work of several charities and NGOs, have resulted in the safeguarding of many exploited individuals, and the arrest and prosecution of those controlling them.

“The NCA is committed to relentlessly disrupting what is a criminal trade in human misery."

In line with cross-government efforts to tackle modern slavery, the NCA leads UK law enforcement activity to identify the perpetrators of human trafficking, bring them to justice, and dismantle their networks.

Modern Slavery and Organised Crime Minister, Karen Bradley, said:

“Today’s figures are unlikely to show the full scale of modern slavery, nor the human suffering behind each statistic. That is why we are taking action on a number of fronts including raising public awareness.  The National Crime Agency is leading an enhanced and coordinated response to targeting trafficking gangs, we are increasing protection for victims, and we are strengthening legislation through a Modern Slavery Bill.

“The Bill will send the strongest possible message to criminals that if you are involved in this disgusting trade in human beings, you will be arrested, you will be prosecuted and you will be locked up.”