GLA assists police on Northern Ireland trafficking operation

A PSNI-led operation against human trafficking for labour exploitation has rescued 16 potential victims in south Armagh. Officers searched premises in Newtownhamilton last Friday and have spent a number of days working with colleagues in partner agencies to identify those individuals who may have been trafficked.

The proactive operation is focused on eastern Europeans working in the agricultural sector. Detectives from the PSNI Human Trafficking Unit are working with colleagues in HM Revenue and Customs, the Gangmasters Licensing Authority, the Health and Safety Executive and local police.

The potential victims, men and women aged between 18 and 45, are being cared for by Migrant Help and Women’s Aid as part of the Department of Justice’s human trafficking support network. They will be assessed for referral to the UK Human Trafficking Centre which is run by the National Crime Agency.

Detective Chief Inspector Douglas Grant, from Serious Crime Branch, said:

“In terms of the number of potential victims, this is one of the largest operations we have mounted in the past year. Due to the numbers involved, and the challenges posed by language issues, it will take some time to form a clear picture of what exactly has taken place.

“But we are following a number of definite lines of enquiry and our investigation will continue for some time.

“Our priorities are clear: we will work with partner agencies to establish the histories and circumstances of these potential victims and seek to ensure they are provided with every possible assistance which is available through the National Referral Mechanism and the UK Human Trafficking Centre.

“At the same time, we will progress our investigation to establish how these people came to Northern Ireland and the arrangements under which they were working. Any evidence of illegal activity will be brought before the courts.

“Police would urge employers in every sector of business to ensure they are operating within the law in terms of accessing labour and offering employees appropriate terms and conditions. Police will investigate any evidence of exploitation or trafficking.”

In a separate investigation in greater Belfast, another five potential victims of trafficking have been identified and are being looked after by police and partner agencies.

DCI Grant said:

“This is an entirely separate investigation but there are another five potential victims who need assistance and protection. Our enquiries are at an early stage in relation to this development but it is important to stress to everyone in our community that police will act, with partners, to protect potential victims and apprehend those individuals or groups who would seek to take advantage of their circumstances for whatever reason. I would encourage anyone with information about human trafficking or who is a victim of trafficking to contact police.”

ENDS

Press release issued by GLA Communications and Information Officer Paul Fearn on behalf of PSNI.

Notes to editors

1. The GLA operates throughout the UK and is a Non-Departmental Public Body.

2. The authority was formed in 2005 in the wake of the Morecambe Bay cockle picking disaster when 23 Chinese workers drowned on the sands.

3. The GLA licences companies that supply labour (gangmasters) for agriculture, horticulture, shellfish gathering as well as all associated processing and packaging.

4. Its main strategic priorities are to prevent worker exploitation, protect vulnerable people and tackle unlicensed and criminal activity.

5. Under the Gangmasters (Licensing) Act (2004), it is illegal both to operate as, or employ the services of, an unlicensed gangmaster.

www.gla.gov.uk