Man charged as part of investigation into organised crime and child exploitation

A man has been charged as part of a police operation into the exploitation of vulnerable children by organised criminals.

Officers working as part of Operation Dynos, tackling retail crime, arrested a 22-year-old man in Hamilton.

Gordon Shankland appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court on July 18 where he was charged with human trafficking as well as supplying drugs and sexual offences.

Shankland, from Glasgow, made no plea during his initial appearance at Glasgow Sheriff Court and was remanded in custody.

He will appear in court again within the next eight days.

Officers working as part of Operation Dynos, tackling retail crime say the arrest is part of a wider investigation into how vulnerable young people are being targeted by organised criminals to steal alcohol from stores across the West of Scotland.

The stolen goods are then resold, with profits being used to purchase drugs and fund further criminal activity within the region.

Operation Dynos received £3m in funding from the Scottish Government for 2025 and 2026 amid a concerning rise in retail crime.

Detective inspector Vicki Douglas, who leads Operation Dynos, said: “Retail crime is not victimless and in fact, what we’ve seen are some of the most vulnerable young people in our communities being actively recruited and indoctrinated into the theft and resale of goods from stores in the region by organised criminals for their financial gain.

“We are committed to tackling retail crime, while at the same time safeguarding young people from harm and coercion into criminal behaviour.

“Operation Dynos will continue to gather evidence and utilise all resources at our disposal to bring these individuals to justice.

“Meanwhile, our colleagues within the Retail Crime Taskforce will work alongside retailers to help enhance security measures and ensure all aspects of crime prevention are considered.”