Modern slavery cases rise sixfold in decade

Detectives said "better recognition" of modern slavery may be a factor in the rise in recorded victims

Cases of modern slavery in Greater Manchester have increased sixfold over the past 10 years, the city region's police force has said.

Greater Manchester Police identified 948 victims last year, compared to 148 victims across the whole of 2015.

Det Ch Insp Tim Berry, who works in the serious organised crime group, said: "I've seen conditions which were awful, with up to 10-12 people living in one dirty house and the heating didn't work."

GMP said many of the victims had been illegally smuggled into the UK; some had been working in car washes, barber shops, vape stores or on building sites, while others had been sexually exploited.

Detectives said "better recognition" of the phenomenon of modern slavery may be a factor in the rise in the number of recorded victims.

Modern slavery is the illegal exploitation of people for personal or commercial gain where victims are forced to work for little, or no, pay - including sex work and criminal activity.

Det Ch Insp Tim Berry works in the serious organised crime group at Greater Manchester Police

Det Ch Insp Berry said: "I'm not suggesting that everyone in cash businesses like vape shops and barbers shops is being exploited, but it is a consideration.

"We've had some success at tackling organisation crime, but better recognition is one of the main reasons why that number has consistently increased."

Modern slavery is often orchestrated by criminal gangs, using methods such as small boats, air travel, and freight to traffic vulnerable people.

Organised immigration crime involves the illegal movement of people into the UK, or enabling individuals to remain here unlawfully.

More than 36,000 people have crossed the English Channel in small boats since the start of 2025.

Det Ch Insp Berry said: "There is a real risk of people who are illegally in the country falling into the hands of people who my wish to exploit them.

"If you see things in your community which are of concern, we'd like to know about that."

The potential signs to be aware of include having no access to ID documents, debt, being transported in vans, and working very long hours, he added.