Human trafficking probe
Police make four arrests
Four people were arrested in rural Perthshire as part of a major police operation into an alleged human trafficking network.
Three men aged 37, 39 and 53 and a woman (53) were detained following raids on properties in the Blairgowrie area on Friday.
The homes were stormed by officers at around 7.30am as part of Operation Barramundi – an intelligence-led multi-agency investigation.
The two suspects in their 50s were arrested at a house in Rattray and led away in handcuffs while still dressed in their nightwear.
The 37-year-old was discovered following a raid on lodges a few miles away and another man was located a few hours later.
During the operation a number of potential victims of human trafficking were also identified.
The police operation has been probing an alleged trafficking network operating in the Blairgowrie area for a number of years.
Operation Barramundi was launched after information was received from the UK Government’s National Referral Mechanism – the framework for identifying and referring potential victims of modern slavery.
An enquiry team consisting of officers from Tayside, Police
Scotland’s Specialist Crime Division, Operational Support Unit and the National Human Trafficking Unit, have been working closely with partner agencies including Perth and Kinross Council, Migrant Help and the Gangmasters Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA).
Detective inspector Marc Lorente led the operation and is looking for other victims to come forward with information.
“I would like to thank the local communities where this activity was carried out for their patience, as well as our partners for their ongoing support,” he said.
“I would urge anyone with information about potential human trafficking offences in their area to contact the police so that further enquiries can be carried out.
“Police, other enforcement agencies and partners cannot tackle the wider issue of human trafficking alone – we also need the public to work with us if we are to identify and help vulnerable individuals being exploited.
“If you suspect exploitation is happening in your community, please report it.”
Recently Police Scotland launched a national campaign to raise awareness about modern slavery in Scotland to the general public.
Head of Police Scotland’s Human Trafficking Unit Detective Superintendent Fil Capaldi said: “Police Scotland is committed to identifying and uncovering exploitation networks.
“This can only be achieved by working collaboratively nationally and internationally with law enforcement partners, to collate information and intelligence that will allow us to pursue organised criminal gangs engaged in human trafficking and exploitation.
“We will utilise all investigative methods at our disposal to bring those who engage in this vile and inhumane trade to justice.
“The public have a significant role in achieving this and to help make Scotland a hostile environment for traffickers.
“Modern slavery and human trafficking have no place in our communities.”
For more information on Police Scotland’s campaign go to endlabourexploitation.co.uk
Anyone wishing to report concerns over human trafficking or modern slavery should contact Police Scotland 101.
The Modern Slavery Helpline can be called on 0800 121 700.