Human trafficking is the illegal movement, recruitment, or harbouring of people for the purpose of exploitation. It doesn’t always involve crossing borders — trafficking can happen entirely within the UK. Under the Modern Slavery Act 2015, it is an offence to arrange or facilitate the travel of another person with a view to exploiting them, whether through forced labour, sexual exploitation, criminal activity, domestic servitude, or organ harvesting.
The law treats human trafficking very seriously because it often involves vulnerable people being controlled, threatened, or deceived. However, these cases can be extremely complex. Sometimes people accused of trafficking are themselves victims of exploitation, or have been unfairly blamed for actions they did not control or even understand. Others are wrongly accused because of cultural misunderstandings, family arrangements, or association with someone under investigation.
Why these cases are so complicated
Human trafficking cases often involve several countries, agencies, and languages. The evidence can include surveillance, phone and travel records, witness statements, and intelligence material from international law enforcement. Allegations are sometimes linked to broader investigations into organised crime, which can make it harder to separate truth from assumption.
There are also many situations where exploitation is alleged but consent and circumstance are disputed — for example, where people were working illegally or living together voluntarily. Because the term “trafficking” is broad, it’s vital to understand exactly what the prosecution says happened and whether it truly meets the legal definition.
Why you need a solicitor
A good Criminal Defence Solicitor will make sure your rights are protected, that the investigation is fair, and that any vulnerabilities or misunderstandings are fully explored. They will:
- Find out the exact basis of the allegation and the evidence being relied upon by police or immigration authorities.
- Attend and advise you at interview, ensuring questioning stays within lawful limits and that you have the chance to properly explain your situation.
- Review all disclosure, including surveillance logs, mobile data, and travel or financial records, and check for material that supports your account.
- Explore whether you may actually be a victim rather than a perpetrator under the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) and advise on how that status could affect the case.
- Instruct expert interpreters, cultural advisers, or trafficking specialists where needed to explain background context or misunderstandings.
- Work with experienced Criminal Defence Barristers or King’s Counsel to prepare your case and challenge the prosecution’s evidence in court.
- If convicted, prepare mitigation and advise on potential appeal routes.
Human trafficking investigations can be lengthy, stressful, and confusing. Having the right solicitor ensures you have someone who understands the law, the procedures, and the human impact, and who will fight to make sure the case is dealt with fairly.
If you have any questions about human trafficking or modern slavery allegations — or if you need help identifying a solicitor experienced in these cases — please contact us using the links below.