“Last year there was a 29% increase in the number of Vietnamese individuals identified as potential victims of modern slavery. 

“Criminals are finding new and shockingly ruthless ways to exploit victims. Alarmingly, for the first time we have seen cases of forced surrogacy being reported.” 

Unseen said three potential victims of forced surrogacy had been indicated through the helpline last year.

“We know traffickers often target vulnerable people, so we must do all we can to support displaced Ukrainians and prevent them from becoming vulnerable to exploitation.” 

“Gangs are being far more ruthless in the way they’re willing to exploit people.” 

“Our response to modern slavery must recognise that exploitation of this kind is, first and foremost, an issue of safeguarding, not immigration.”