Prosecutions for modern slavery surge to new high

MODERN slavery prosecutions have increased by more than a quarter as authorities flag up record numbers of cases for possible criminal charges, new figures show.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) received 355 referrals from police and other agencies in 2017-18. Charges were brought against 239 suspects – a 27 per cent rise on 2016-17.

The figures relate to allegations of modern slavery or human trafficking referred for a charging decision, and prosecutions mounted under the Modern Slavery Act or other legislation.

Alison Saunders, the Director of Public Prosecutions, said: “Modern slavery has a devastating, lasting impact.” Out of 284 modern slavery-flagged prosecutions completed in the year to the end of March, 185 individuals were convicted, according to the CPS report.

The time taken on average from an alleged offence to completion of a case has doubled compared to 2015, now standing at nearly three years.

Modern slavery encompasses a broad range of offending including exploitation, forced labour, domestic servitude and human trafficking.