Tag: human trafficking

Three people convicted of human trafficking offences 

Two men and a woman have been convicted of human trafficking and brothel keeping offences in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Qin Huang, 31, Xiao Min, 38, and Guolei Huang, 35, pled guilty at the High Court in Glasgow today (Tuesday, 28 May, 2024).

They are due to be sentenced on Tuesday, 25 June, 2024.

Detective Inspector Mark Dines said: “Human trafficking is a despicable crime that has an unmeasurable long-term impact on its victims.

“We are committed to working with our partners to conduct thorough investigations, to identify those responsible and to protect vulnerable victims from harm.

“During this operation we worked in partnership with the Home Office Criminal & Financial Investigation Team and received assistance from officers of the Metropolitan Police and Cambridgeshire Constabulary.

“We will continue in our efforts to tackle human trafficking and information from people within our communities is key to helping us to identify those involved.

“I ask that anyone with any information or concerns about the welfare of someone they suspect has been trafficked to contact us on 101.”

Scottish Businesses to benefit from global expert insight on tackling Modern Slavery

Scotland Against Modern Slavery (SAMS), which focuses on the elimination of modern slavery and human trafficking has announced an accelerator series of webinars designed to help Scottish businesses tackle the issue in their supply chains.

Businesses in Scotland have supply chains, and often operations, which span the globe.  The International Labour Organisation believes that 63% of forced labour happens in the private economy, which accounts for 16million of the 28million men, women, and children in forced labour.

In Scotland alone, 765 referrals were made to Police Scotland as potential victims of human trafficking last year – the highest number since records began. This is up from 600 in 2022.

Human rights and supply chain expert, Elaine Mitchel-Hill, has engaged with SAMS to develop and deliver a Human Rights in Supply Chain Accelerator Series on a pro-bono basis.

She said: “The introduction of the UK Modern Slavery Act in 2016 has had limited impact on tackling human rights abuses by corporations, and there are moves to review and address these, including the recent Commercial and Public Authorities Duty (Human Rights and Environment) Bill put forward by Baroness Young of Hornsey.

“Global environmental and human rights due diligence legislation is moving apace, signalled most recently by the passing of the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive. 

“The truth is that many businesses still do not know where human rights risks lie. Nor do they know where to begin to find out where risks lie. Too many have their heads buried in a ‘compliance’ only approach. 

“Still more are not significantly motivated by potential prosecutions and fines – although this is changing.  This accelerator series is a great opportunity to engage with global experts to learn and to share.”

Shan Saba, director at Brightwork and a founder of SAMS, said: “The stats don’t lie and this issue is not going away so we hope as many people as possible sign up to the SAMS Human Rights in Supply Chain Accelerator Series to learn more and thereby improve the situation.

“Slavery is a global issue so listening to and learning from our international partners will be invaluable in our efforts to help ensure compliance, eliminate modern slavery, and support human rights.

“Since inception, SAMS has brought together the Scottish Government with over 56 businesses, charities, and NGOs, with the core aims of raising awareness of the problem, supporting survivors into positive employment opportunities and protecting vulnerable communities from exploitation.  

“All areas of Scotland have reported cases of human trafficking – anyone can be susceptible, and it is happening in our towns, cities and rural communities, as well as in our global supply chains.”

To sign up to the SAMS Human Rights in Supply Chain Accelerator Series then register here: https://humanrightsinsupplychainacceleratorseries.eventbrite.co.uk/

The link for the second session on 26th June is now live and thought you may want to add it into the previous story:

Register on Eventbrite

‘Walk for Freedom’ silent protest walk

Sat 14 October – organised by Broughton High School

Tragically the buying and selling of humans still takes place in our world; in our city. Over 50 million people are modern day slaves; 126,000 in the UK.

The ‘Walk for Freedom’ is a silent protest walk to raise awareness of human trafficking and it takes place in Edinburgh on Saturday the 14th October 2 -3.30pm.

It is being organised by local school students from Broughton High School.

The starting point is St John’s Episcopal Church, bottom of Lothian Road. Please register below and wear black on the day.

https://www.a21.org//shop-event.php?intid=3605

Raising awareness of Human Trafficking by taking part in a Walk for Freedom.

Take local action on Saturday 14th October in Edinburgh. 2 -3.30pm.

Be part of a global solution.

Human Trafficking is the abuse of children, women, and men for their bodies and labour. It’s modern-day slavery. Worldwide the figure is 50 million. This isn’t an international problem. There are people trafficked in Scotland, in Edinburgh. The commonly accepted figure for the UK is around 136,000 people although this is thought to be a conservative estimate.

On Saturday, October 14, 2023, thousands of people will hit the streets in hundreds of cities across the globe to walk in a single file line–holding posters and handing out flyers–to reach their city and raise awareness about human trafficking and how to end it. Not only this, but educating leaders, neighbours, and friends, empowering them to recognise human trafficking and report it.

Please come to join us in Edinburgh on Saturday 14th October from 2pm -3.30pm. Starting point St John’s Church – 1A Lothian Road.

We will walk along the Grassmarket, down Mound and back to St John’s.

Kirsty Thomson, organiser and teacher at Broughton High School, said: ‘By walking with us, you are standing in solidarity with survivors, raising your voice for the world we need to see, and creating a path toward lasting change.

“As we walk along Princes’ Street we give a voice to those enslaved – those that have no voice. Without your involvement, your community may remain unaware of the exploitation happening close to home. But you have the power to change that!

“Our message can’t be ignored: Slavery still exists but we will abolish it.
Together. Come join us.”

Registration required: https://www.a21.org//shop-event.php?intid=3605

Tragically the buying and selling of humans still takes place in our world; in our city. Over 50 million people are modern day slaves; 126,000 in the UK. The ‘Walk for Freedom’ is a silent protest walk to raise awareness of human trafficking and it takes place in Edinburgh on Saturday the 14th October 2pm-3pm. It is being organised by local school students from Broughton High School. 

The starting point is St John’s Episcopal Church, bottom of Lothian Road. Please register below and wear black on the day. 

https://www.a21.org//shop-event.php?intid=3605

Four jailed for human trafficking

Four people were jailed for trafficking offences at the High Court in Glasgow yesterday.

Jagpal Singh (52) was sentenced to 10 years, Donglin Zhang (48) was sentenced to 8 years, Vlassis Ntaoulias (33) was sentenced to 7 years and Boonsong Wannas (62) was sentenced to six years and four months.

All four were previously convicted of human trafficking and brothel keeping offences.

Detective Superintendent Donna Duffy, in charge of Glasgow’s Human Trafficking Unit said: “I welcome the sentencing today. Human trafficking is a despicable crime that has an unmeasurable long term impact on its victims.

“We are committed to working alongside partners to tackle human trafficking and we will work to identify those responsible and protect their victims.

“I would like to thank all our partners including Home Office Immigration Enforcement Criminal and Financial Investigations.

“I would continue to encourage members of the community to contact us if they have any concerns as they are vital to helping us identify those involved.”

Arrests in Edinburgh and Glasgow after human trafficking operation

An intelligence led operation saw officers from Greater Glasgow Human Trafficking Unit execute three search warrants in Glasgow, along with a search warrant executed in Edinburgh on Monday (15 February 2021).

Detective Inspector Mark McLennan of Greater Glasgow CID said: “Officers carried out search warrants at addresses in Denniston, Maryhill and Thornliebank in Glasgow and the Canongate area of Edinburgh.

“A 28-year-old woman and two men aged 32 and 45 were arrested in Glasgow and charged in connection with human trafficking and sexual exploitation. All three were expected to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court yesterday. A 31-year-old man was also reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

“We worked closely with Edinburgh City, National Human Trafficking Unit and Home Office Immigration Enforcement Crime and Financial Investigation Scotland as part of this operation.”

Modern Slavery: Spot the Signs

This weekend marks international Anti-Slavery Day, on Sunday 18 October 2020.

Assistant Chief Constable Judi Heaton is reminding everyone that slavery is not a thing of the past but continues to blight Scotland’s communities:

It is up to all of us to Spot the Signs, to help those being exploited, to stand against traffickers and protect our communities.

Human Trafficking is the illegal trade in human beings, both adults and children, for the purpose of commercial exploitation.

Victims of human trafficking are often the most vulnerable members of a community however, there is no such thing as a typical victim.

Victims are known to come from numerous continents such as Asia, Africa and (Eastern) Europe. They may arrive in your community after being kidnapped, smuggled or tricked by a friend offering a job and the opportunity of a new life, however soon discover that their lives are not their own and are forced into a life of exploitation with no way of escaping.

Trafficking victims are often forced into prostitution, exploitative labour, the illegal drugs trade, stealing or domestic slavery to pay back the debt that traffickers claim they owe them for travel. Victims are trapped in this life with limited freedom or options. They regularly have their identity documents removed and are often subjected to physical and mental abuse, torture and rape.

Human Trafficking exists in communities across Scotland and also can involve people who are resident legally in the country. The industry of trafficking people has become so sophisticated that it often goes unnoticed and assistance from the public is crucial to identify potential signs of Human Trafficking within your community and reporting any concerns to the police.

You do not have to report concerns to the police – you can pass on information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Potential Signs of Human Trafficking

Human Trafficking can happen anywhere, victims could be living next to you. Look for the signs:

Sexual Exploitation

  • Multiple female foreign nationals living at the same address.
  • Occupants are rarely seen outside.
  • Occupants of premises change regularly.
  • Male callers day and night staying for only a short time.
  • Sexual debris such as condoms, call cards, advertisements.

Forced Labour/Domestic Servitude

Migrant workers who have the right to free movement in and around the United Kingdom, but have limitations placed on their employment may be exploited through Industries such as agriculture, factories, hotels and restaurants.

  • Large number of foreign nationals living in the same address.
  • Occupants change regularly.
  • Van transported at unusual times of the day and/or night.
  • Workers movements are monitored and/or controlled by others.
  • Workers may seem fearful of employers, police or any other external agency and poorly integrate with the wider community.
  • Employers, or someone else, is holding their passport and/or legal documents.
  • Workers have no days off or holiday time.
  • Workers display signs of physical abuse i.e. bruises, cuts and signs of untreated medical problems.
  • Workers display signs of malnutrition, dehydration, exhaustion and poor personal hygiene.

Domestic Servitude is where an adult or child is forced into the role of a servant. This often occurs within a residential address. Signs to look out for include:

  • The person is rarely allowed out of the house, unless their employer or guardian is with them.
  • They have no private space or a proper place to sleep i.e. on the floor or sofa.
  • They have a poor diet or are given the family’s leftover food to eat.
  • They are subject to mental, physical, sexual abuse, threats or other cruelty.
  • A child, may have poor attendance at school, no access to education and no time to play with its peers.
  • There is no interaction with the family, friends or other authorities.

If you suspect there are people who have been trafficked into your community or you have concerns about an adult or child whom you think may be being exploited, please report this to Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where your call will be treated in confidence.

Agencies combine to bring human traffickers to court

Four people have been charged as part of a joint operation to tackle human trafficking across the East and West of Scotland.

Led by detectives from Edinburgh’s Public Protection Unit, Operation Risbalit saw enforcement activity take place at six premises in Alloa, Inverkeithing, Cowdenbeath and Glasgow.

As a result, three men aged 41, 24 and 23 were arrested and charged along with a 25-year-old woman. All were scheduled to appear at Falkirk and Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court yesterday in connection with human trafficking offences.

Staff from a range of agencies worked together to bring the case to court. Police Scotland’s East Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism Unit and Financial Investigation Unit, as well as key partners from Immigration Enforcement Criminal and Financial Investigations (CFI); Edinburgh Social Work; National Human Trafficking Unit; National Crime Agency; BTP; Scotrail; Network Rail and COPFS played vital roles in evidence gathering and resourcing the enforcement process.

In addition to the targeted arrests, visits were carried out at businesses in Bathgate, Bonnyrigg, Edinburgh and Stirling. These were led by Immigration Enforcement and supported by officers from Police Scotland.

Detective Inspector Keith Fairbairn from Edinburgh’s Public Protection Unit said: “Extensive inquiries were undertaken by Police Scotland and supported by a number of other agencies and this culminated in the arrest of four people, who have been reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the officers and partners involved in this operation for their support and dedication throughout.

“Identifying human trafficking and supporting victims of such offences is a top priority for Police Scotland. Operation Risbalit is an Edinburgh-led inquiry, but our officers will continue to liaise with key counterparts both nationally within Scotland and the UK.

“I want the public to be assured that any report of human trafficking will be treated with the utmost seriousness and investigated thoroughly to bring perpetrators to justice.

“If you have any concerns that someone in your community may have been trafficked, or if you are a victim of this crime and wish to report it to police, please contact us via 101 or make an anonymous report to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Human trafficking gang convicted following five year operation

Four members of an organised crime group have been convicted of trafficking offences at the High Court in Glasgow. Three men and one woman convicted yesterday marked the conclusion of a five-year-long investigation undertaken by Police Scotland. Continue reading Human trafficking gang convicted following five year operation