Human trafficking is the illegal trade in people for profit.

Someone who’s trafficked does not have to move between countries. For example, they can be moved within Scotland or the UK. It can involve people who are legal residents in the country.

People who have been trafficked are often forced into:

• prostitution (when someone sells sex for payment)
• labour
• illegal drugs trade
• begging
• domestic labour

There’s often no way of escaping and their identity documents are removed.

If you want to tell us about human trafficking, you can report it online, by phone, or in person.

Call 999 now if:

• someone is in danger
• you need help now
• a serious incident is happening or about to happen

Report it using our online form

Learn about other ways you can report a crime to us

If you use British Sign Language you can use the following video interpreting services:

• contact 999 BSL in an emergency
• contact Scotland BSL if it’s not an emergency

Sexual exploitation

Signs of sexual exploitation can include:

• many women living together
• occupants change regularly
• occupants are rarely seen alone or outside
• men come and go at all hours and only stay for a short time
• sexual items such as condoms, call cards, or adverts are nearby

Forced labour

Signs of forced labour can include:

• people are transported at unusual times
• they’re monitored and controlled
• fear of employers, police, or authorities
• working long days with no breaks or days off
• being threatened and/or abused by their exploiter
• malnutrition, dehydration, exhaustion, and poor personal hygiene

Domestic labour

Signs of forced domestic labour can include:

• they’re rarely allowed out of the house
• they don't have a bed to sleep on
• being threatened and/or abused by their exploiter
• malnutrition, dehydration, exhaustion, and poor personal hygiene

If a child is involved, they may show the above signs as well as:

• poor attendance at school
• no time to play with friends

If you’ve been affected by human trafficking, you can:

• call the Modern Slavery Helpline (phone: 0800 0121 700)
• National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) offers guidance and support if you think a child has been trafficked