THERE are concerns that people trafficking is happening in Fife after victims have been found at businesses in the Kingdom.

Police have visited thirteen businesses and other locations in Fife as part of a major human trafficking awareness-raising initiative.

It is not a practice certain to any particular area and the police in the Cowdenbeath area are also keeping a watch out for any potential signs of it happening in any of the local communities.

Officers from across the country took part in the national day of action last midweek to highlight the exploitation of vulnerable people, how to report concerns and the support available to victims.

In business premises in the Levenmouth and Kirkcaldy areas, three potential victims of human trafficking were found. They were both taken to places of safety.

At a further two business premises in Kirkcaldy suspected illegal immigrants were found and detained.

Detective Sergeant Chris Mill said: “Human Trafficking is very much hidden but is happening within Fife.

"Individuals often don’t see themselves as victims which is why we will proactively seek to identify them through visits like last weeks.

“The day of action focused on awareness raising. We spoke to business owners and managers, urging them to think about the people they employ and serve, and encouraging anyone with concerns about exploitation in any form to report it."

He added: “We are determined to improve the intelligence picture in order to gain a better understanding of trafficking in Scotland and the organised crime groups who are involved, and the work we have carried out will inform the next steps we take.”

Local officers were supported in the visits by partner agencies as well as Police Scotland’s National Human Trafficking Unit, a dedicated team which deals with this complex issue and liaise with partners and law enforcement both in the UK, Europe and internationally.

DS Mill continued: “We were joined by colleagues from Immigration Enforcement, Coastal Ranger, Gangmasters Licencing Authority, HMRC and Environmental Health.

"Their expertise is vital in being able to provide support and help to anyone who we find has been trafficked into the country for the purposes of labour or sexual exploitation, and take appropriate action.

“Trafficking is unacceptable. We will target those who control, abuse and exploit others by working collaboratively with partners to ensure that Scotland is a hostile environment to this sickening trade.”