Criminals exploit vulnerability to lure Brits into slavery

Hundreds of British nationals are seeking support as survivors of modern slavery after being tricked and trapped into criminal activities such as county lines drug dealing, cannabis growing, theft and begging, according to a new report from The Salvation Army. 

People are often targeted because of vulnerabilities including poverty, isolation, trauma and addiction before being manipulated, threatened, and controlled. Cuckooing, where criminals take over someone's home for criminal purposes, is another tactic.  

364 British nationals entered Salvation Army modern slavery support services in 2025-26 and around one in four (145) had experienced criminal exploitation.

The findings are published in The Salvation Army’s latest annual report on its work supporting adult survivors of modern slavery in England and Wales through the Government’s Modern Slavery Victim Care Contract (MSVCC).

The report also shows that in 2025/6:  

• Survivors from 123 nationalities sought help from The Salvation Army. 
• 5,185 potential victims entered support in total, of which: 
• Criminal exploitation affected 299 survivors, and forced labour remained the most common form of exploitation, affecting 3,201 people - almost two-thirds of cases.  
• Sexual exploitation affected 810 people, and domestic servitude 393.  
• Potential victims were identified from across England and Wales, with London remaining the largest referral area. 

Major Kathy Betteridge, Director of Anti Trafficking and Modern Slavery for The Salvation Army, said: 

“ Criminals are skilled at identifying vulnerability and using it to their advantage. Poverty, family breakdown, addiction and social exclusion can leave people with fewer safe choices and sources of support, allowing an exploiter to appear at first to offer help before using that dependency to gain control.

“We see that the longer someone is exploited, the harder it is to overcome the impacts on their health, wellbeing, relationships and prospects for the future. That is why identifying victims as early as possible is so important. Greater public awareness and better training for frontline professionals can help people identify victims sooner and connect them with support before the harm becomes more deeply embedded.   

“Rescue is only one part of recovery. Survivors may have spent years under the control of others and need the right support to regain their independence and build a future free from further exploitation. 

 “Just as criminals build networks to recruit, control and profit from people, so organisations, professionals and communities must work together to protect them.” 

During the year, 4,225 people were supported to access medical treatment; 2,533 received counselling and 2,537 were supported to access legal advice. 2,644 accessed English-language support, while 1,636 participated in education and training and more than 1,200 received preparation-for-work support. 

The report also shows an increase in people entering The Salvation Army’s support compared to the previous year, reflecting additional Government investment to address decision-making backlogs and enable more potential victims to access support. Faster decisions can reduce uncertainty and speed up access to support, helping people recover sooner. It is also important that they remain in support for long enough to heal, rebuild and move forward.  

Including those already receiving support at the start of the year, 10,584 people received support through the MSVCC during 2025-26. Since 2011, The Salvation Army and its partners have supported 32,736 survivors of modern slavery. 

The Salvation Army’s support brings together specialist staff, volunteers, churches and communities, survivor voices, practical resources and national and international networks to help people regain stability and build more independent futures. Its First Responder Service helps identify potential victims and refer them into the National Referral Mechanism – the Government’s system for identifying and supporting victims of modern slavery - while wider programmes provide additional opportunities and practical support beyond the Government-funded service. 

Major Kathy Betteridge added: 

“Everyone has a part to play. Learning the signs and knowing how to report concerns safely can help bring people out of the shadows and closer to the support they need.” 

The Salvation Army is encouraging people to learn the signs of modern slavery and county lines exploitation, trust their instincts and report concerns safely. Anyone who suspects that they or someone they know may be a victim of modern slavery and needs help can contact The Salvation Army’s confidential 24-hour referral helpline on 0800 808 3733.