Only three suspects charged with modern slavery offences in Sussex since 2015

The landmark legislation was designed to crack down on the ‘appalling crime’ – which ranges from forced prostitution to labour exploitation and domestic servitude – with simplified offences and tougher punishments.

But a JPIMedia investigation has exposed the extent to which perpetrators are escaping justice.

Just 4.4 per cent of modern slavery offences recorded by English and Welsh police forces between 2015 and September 2020 resulted in a charge.

Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner Dame Sara Thornton – a role created by the 2015 Act – said the current lack of risk to criminals ‘fails to counter the economic reward of trafficking in people, or prevent organised crime groups acting with impunity’.

Sussex Police has charged just three people since 2015, despite recording 601 modern slavery offences.

This results in a charge rate of 0.5 per cent – the third lowest of any police force in England and Wales.

A challenging crime