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More than 100 possible victims of human trafficking were identified in Northern Ireland last year, police revealed.
But although 111 were identified, the PSNI said the actual number of victims could be even higher as crime is often not reported or detected.
A new appeal has been made to the public to help identify the signs of human trafficking.
Speaking on Anti-Slavery Day 2020, Detective Inspector Mark Bell described how the Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Unit focuses on sexual and labor exploitation.
“Some of the operations involved detectives who were on flights arriving at airports to detect possible victims who are being trafficked, as well as handing out brochures to passengers to raise awareness about the signs to watch out for,” he said. .
This despicable crime means that people often do forced labor or work in dire conditions.
Detective Inspector Mark Bell
“These types of operations are carried out throughout the year and so far this year 70 potential victims have been referred to the NRM in the last six months.
“This is a substantial increase of 46 compared to the same period last year. This increase is despite travel restrictions caused by Covid-19. “
Police say they have recovered victims of exploitation in car washes, food processing and manufacturing factories and brothels.
Bell urged the public to be aware of the signs of human trafficking and to report any unusual activity to the police.
“Last year, we discovered that labor exploitation was the most common form of exploitation,” he said.
“This despicable crime means that people often do forced labor or work in appalling conditions.
“Most of the time, victims are forced to do this work or receive little or no payment for their efforts.
“Signs of labor exploitation to look out for include someone who works against their will, people who live and sleep in their workplace in a group and rarely leave those facilities, and people who are not paid for their work, they do not have an employment contract or have no control or access to their earnings. “
The detective said that those who are trafficked can also be sexually exploited or forced to perform jobs such as begging, cannabis cultivation or drug trafficking.
He outlined some of the other signs to watch out for.
These include a person who is unable to present their passport or personal documents, is unsure of their address or local area, or is suspicious of authorities as traffickers may have told victims that the police will be violent towards them.
Other signs include a person who does not have access to medical treatment, who seems to be under the control of other people or always has someone else speaking on their behalf, a crowded house or flat with a regular turnover of new occupants, or someone who may they don’t have cash as they can’t keep the money they earn.
Bell said modern slavery is a priority for the PSNI.
“We will investigate any incidents and take action when there is sufficient evidence,” he said.
“We work as hard as we can, but we cannot tackle this problem alone.
“I urge people to visit the human trafficking page on the PSNI website to learn more about the signs to watch out for.
“I would also ask people to help stop this unacceptable crime and to contact us with any suspicions they may have by calling 999 if it is an emergency, 101 if it is not an emergency, or the Modern Slavery helpline on 08000 121 700.
“One call could end the misery of a victim who could be living next door.”
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