Four charged in nationwide human trafficking operation

Four people have been charged in an operation tackling human trafficking.

Operation Risbalit, led by detectives from Edinburgh’s Public Protection Unit (PPU), targeted six premises in Alloa, Inverkeithing, Cowdenbeath and Glasgow.

Three men – aged 23, 24, and 41 – were arrested and charged along with a 25-year-old woman.

They were due to appear in court on Wednesday in connection with human trafficking offences.

Visits led by Immigration Enforcement were also carried out at businesses in Bathgate, Bonnyrigg, Edinburgh and Stirling as part of the operation.

Detective Inspector Keith Fairbairn from the PPU said: “Extensive inquiries were undertaken by Police Scotland and supported by a number of other agencies and this culminated in the arrest of four people, who have been reported to the procurator fiscal.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the officers and partners involved in this operation for their support and dedication throughout.

“Identifying human trafficking and supporting victims of such offences is a top priority for Police Scotland.

“Operation Risbalit is an Edinburgh-led inquiry, but our officers will continue to liaise with key counterparts both nationally within Scotland and the UK.

“I want the public to be assured that any report of human trafficking will be treated with the utmost seriousness and investigated thoroughly to bring perpetrators to justice.

“If you have any concerns that someone in your community may have been trafficked, or if you are a victim of this crime and wish to report it to police, please contact us via 101 or make an anonymous report to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”