New Strategy to Tackle Human Trafficking

The Scottish Government has launched a new strategy to tackle the crime of human trafficking.

The Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy involves training professionals to spot the signs of human trafficking and providing new powers to disrupt trafficking activity.

The aims of the strategy are to:

• Identify victims and support them to safety and recovery
• Identify perpetrators and disrupt their activity
• Address the conditions that foster trafficking and exploitation.

“Exposing and eradicating these horrific crimes remain high on the agenda, and following the passing of legislation to create an offence of human trafficking with a possible life sentence attached, I am pleased that Police Scotland and the Crown Office will be able apply for new orders to disrupt traffickers’ activity,” commented Cabinet Secretary for Justice Michael Matheson.

“We welcome the publication of the Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy,” added Lord Advocate James Wolffe QC. “Human trafficking is a serious and complex crime that presents unique challenges to investigators and prosecutors. This strategy will work hand in hand with the tools we have at our disposal to tackle this abhorrent trade, which include the offences under the Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Scotland) Act 2015.”

“Scotland is a country that is hostile to this kind of exploitation and Prosecutors, working with Police Scotland and other law enforcement partners, will play their part in ensuring victims of this crime are protected and have the support they need,” he said.

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