New powers to tackle human trafficking

NEW powers have been given to police and the courts to tackle human trafficking.

The new Trafficking and Exploitation Prevention Orders in place from today can be used by courts to ban traffickers from employing staff or working with children and travelling to named countries.

Another measure of a Trafficking and Exploitation Risk Order which can be imposed if some- one demonstrated a risk of committing a trafficking offence.

Michael Matheson, the Justice Secretary said the new measures will help stop traffickers plying their trade in Scotland.

He said: “We will continue to make Scotland an increasingly hostile place for those who treat other human beings as commodities.

“These new powers for the police and courts will help to fur- ther protect the public from harm.

“We are working hard to eradicate trafficking and exploitation in Scotland and providing high quality support for victims who have suffered physical and psychological harm.”

Police and legal officers said they would use the measures to crack down on trafficking.

Detective Superintendent Stuart Houston, Police Scotland Hu- man Trafficking Unit, said: “Human trafficking is a priority for Police Scotland and we continue to target those who control, abuse and exploit others.”

Lord Advocate, James Wolffe said: “They will give courts an additional tool to combat the trade in human beings. Prosecutors will apply to the court for prevention orders in appropriate cases and will prosecute those who breach such orders.”