Criminal exploitation

Criminal exploitation happens when someone is coerced, controlled or manipulated into criminal activity for the benefit of another person or group. It can affect both children and adults.

Who is at risk?

Anyone can be affected, but some people may be at increased risk, including those who:

  • experience poverty or homelessness
  • misuse drugs or alcohol
  • are socially isolated
  • have learning disabilities
  • experience family difficulties
  • have experienced trauma
  • are children or young people
  • are vulnerable adults

Victims may not recognise themselves as victims and may also be involved in offending behaviour. A perceived choice to engage in criminal activity does not rule out exploitation. 

Common forms of criminal exploitation

This includes:

  • County Lines drug distribution
  • drug, money or weapon storage and transport
  • cuckooing (taking over someone's home for criminal activity)
  • theft, fraud, shoplifting and acquisitive crime
  • forced labour and trafficking
  • online-enabled criminal activity and grooming

Spot the signs of criminal exploitation

Be professionally curious if you notice:

  • unexplained money, gifts, clothing or mobile phones
  • association with older peers or known offenders
  • missing episodes or frequent absences
  • multiple or secretive mobile phones
  • sudden changes in behaviour
  • drug or alcohol misuse
  • fear or reluctance to discuss activities
  • evidence of threats, violence, intimidation or coercion
  • concerning online activity or online monitoring by others

What practitioners should do

If you are concerned that a child, young person or adult is being criminally exploited:

  • stay alert to signs and changes in behaviour
  • record concerns and discuss them with your line manager
  • share information promptly and appropriately
  • consider child protection or adult protection procedures
  • work collaboratively with partner agencies
  • focus on building trust and supporting victims rather than criminalising them

Reporting concerns

Criminal exploitation should be treated as a safeguarding and public protection issue, not simply as criminal behaviour.

If someone is in immediate danger, contact Police Scotland on 999. If there is no immediate risk, contact Police Scotland on 101 for advice and to report concerns.

You should also follow local child protection or adult support and protection procedures and make a referral where appropriate.

Human trafficking and exploitation

Where there are indicators that an individual has been recruited, moved, controlled, coerced or exploited for criminal purposes, practitioners should consider whether a referral to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) is appropriate through a First Responder organisation such as Police Scotland or Social Work. 

Local guidance

Refer to:

Helpful resources and guidance

This includes: