Police Scotland is taking proactive steps to combat sex trafficking by enlisting the support of Romanian officers. Thanks to funding from the Home Office and the Romanian Embassy in London, two Romanian officers will join the force for a six-month period starting January 8.

This initiative follows a significant investigation uncovering the exploitation of Romanian women in the UK, particularly in a lucrative sex-for-hire establishment in Motherwell. Three Romanians involved in this illicit operation are currently in custody and await sentencing in the upcoming year.

Scottish Police Authority received an update from Police Scotland highlighting the challenge of underreported cases of trafficking and sexual exploitation of Romanian females in Scotland. This lack of engagement with law enforcement and authorities has left many vulnerable individuals without support.

The aim of bringing in these Romanian officers is to encourage more Romanian nationals to come forward and report instances of trafficking. The hope is that having officers from their own community will build trust and make it easier for victims to seek help.

The agreement to second these officers was finalized after Romanian diplomats visited the Police Scotland crime campus in Lanarkshire last September. Recruitment efforts are now in progress to select the two officers from Romania.

A spokesperson from Police Scotland emphasized that this initiative is geared toward boosting reports of trafficking among Romanian nationals. Moreover, it aims to provide culturally sensitive guidance regarding rights and exploitation, ultimately empowering survivors to step forward and report their exploitation when they feel ready to do so.