Skip to main content

Safeguarding a Teen and Bringing Traffickers to Justice

The case began when a mother reported her 16-year-old son missing. Although the teenager remained in contact with his family, claiming he was working in a nearby city, concerns grew for his welfare.

Days later, another police force located him - 150 miles away from where he said he was working. He had been locked in a flat, showed visible injuries consistent with an assault, and was found preparing drugs for onward sale. Despite being arrested for drug offences, officers quickly realised something far more serious had happened.

During interview, the teenager disclosed that he had been sent to the flat by a gang to sell drugs. He explained he wanted to leave as soon as he arrived but was prevented from doing so and forced to remain, bagging drugs under threat.

As enquiries developed, his phone was seized, leading officers to arrest another male for Human Trafficking offences.

The TOEX Response

At this point, the Tarian TOEX team was brought in to provide specialist support. Their role was to assess whether the boy had been exploited and trafficked, ensure safeguarding was put in place, and to help build a stronger intelligence picture of offenders involved.

Using advanced data analysis, the TOEX team produced detailed subject profiles, intelligence submissions, and analytical reports. Their work connected the missing teen to key suspects and identified the locations being used to facilitate Class A drug supply.

Thanks to this collaborative approach, the investigation resulted in three men being charged with human trafficking and drugs offences. Two have since pleaded guilty, receiving prison sentences of three years and six months, alongside seven-year Slavery and Trafficking Prevention Orders. The third man awaits trial.

This case demonstrates how the expertise of the Tarian TOEX team was crucial in moving beyond a simple missing person enquiry to uncover a serious case of exploitation, disrupt organised crime, and protect a vulnerable young person from further harm.