DEPUTY Police and Crime Commissioner Jeanie Bell has warned that organised crime groups are increasingly using legitimate-looking businesses and accommodation to conceal exploitation, as she highlighted the work of Merseyside's Modern Slavery Network on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

The Network is currently examining a number of emerging risks linked to labour and sexual exploitation, bringing partners together to identify vulnerabilities, support victims and crack down on those profiting from the exploitation of others.

This includes examining the growth of some so-called "pop-up" retail premises selling vapes and other illicit goods, as well as certain barber shops and similar businesses where there are concerns that workers may be vulnerable to exploitation.

Intelligence and partner agency observations suggest that, in some cases, individuals working within these settings may be employed in breach of visa conditions, paid below the legal minimum wage or subjected to excessive working hours and poor employment practices, all potential indicators of labour exploitation and modern slavery.

Partners are also exploring how organised crime groups may use apparently legitimate businesses and short-term rental accommodation to conceal criminal activity and facilitate exploitation.

Chaired by Deputy PCC Jeanie Bell, the Network brings together representatives from policing, local authorities, charities, safeguarding organisations and other partners to strengthen the region's response to modern slavery and human trafficking.

Through improved intelligence sharing, stronger partnership working and targeted awareness-raising activity, the Network is developing practical approaches to identify vulnerabilities, safeguard victims and disrupt criminality.

The work forms part of the Network's ongoing efforts to strengthen prevention, improve support for victims and build a coordinated response to modern slavery and exploitation across Merseyside.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Jeanie Bell said:- "Modern slavery is a devastating crime that strips people of their freedom, dignity and safety. While many people think of slavery and trafficking as something that happens elsewhere, the reality is that exploitation can exist within our communities, hidden behind seemingly ordinary businesses, workplaces and properties. Whether it is a worker being paid illegally low wages, forced to work excessive hours, or someone whose movements and finances are controlled by others, exploitation can take many forms and is often deliberately hidden from public view."

Jeanie continued:- "On World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, I want to encourage people to learn the signs of exploitation and to trust their instincts if something doesn't feel right. Whether someone appears fearful, is living and working in poor conditions, has little freedom of movement, or seems to be under the control of another person, these can all be warning signs that help is needed. Through Merseyside's Modern Slavery Network, we are bringing together partners from across policing, local authorities, charities and support services to better understand emerging threats and strengthen our collective response."

Jeanie added:- “Our focus is not only on identifying and supporting victims, but also on making Merseyside an increasingly hostile environment for those who profit from exploiting others. Organised criminal groups are often behind these offences, using legitimate-looking businesses and accommodation to hide exploitation and generate profit. By working together, sharing information and raising awareness, we can expose these crimes, safeguard vulnerable people and bring offenders to justice. Modern slavery has no place in Merseyside. Everyone has a role to play in tackling it and I would urge anyone who suspects someone may be at risk of exploitation to report their concerns."

Anyone with concerns about modern slavery or human trafficking can contact Merseyside Police on:- 101 or report information online.

Information can also be provided confidentially through the Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline on:- 08000 121 700.