Modern slavery is far more prevalent than law enforcement previously thought, according to the independent anti-trafficking commissioner, Kevin Hyland. He claimed the “true number is in the tens of thousands”.
Hyland told the Guardian that a better understanding of the real scale of slavery in the UK must become an “absolute priority” for government, if there was a chance of reaching as many potential victims as possible.
It comes after eleven people from one family were sentenced at Nottingham crown court last month for exploiting victims.
The NCA said victims of modern slavery are predominantly from eastern Europe, Vietnam and Nigeria, with a roughly equal balance between men and women.
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