- The way in which criminal exploitation presents in children and adults can vary greatly. However, some indicators may include unexplained money, gifts, new clothes or sudden access to travel that the individual cannot account for.
- Victims may experience episodes of going missing, travel to unfamiliar towns or cities and increased contact with older individuals or those already involved in criminal activity.
- It is common to see individuals carrying drugs, weapons or multiple mobile phones (including “burner” phones) used to maintain contact with exploiters and facilitate criminal activity.
- Some victims present with visible injuries, exhaustion, changes in appearance or clothing, and signs of neglect resulting from prolonged periods away from home or safe environments.
- Behavioural changes are also frequent; while some individuals appear fearful, secretive or withdrawn, others may present as aggressive, confrontational or unusually confident - all of which can be trauma responses linked to exploitation.
"Child criminal exploitation is one of the most insidious forms of modern slavery. Many children do not see themselves as victims and believe they have no choice. Our expert evidence helps ensure their exploitation is recognised and justice is served."
– Shelley Cathers
What is Criminal Exploitation & CCE?
- Criminal exploitation occurs when adults are manipulated, coerced or forced into criminal activity, often due to vulnerabilities such as poverty, isolation, homelessness, poor mental health, learning disabilities or drug dependence.
- Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) is the same as criminal exploitation but specifically refers to those under the age of 18.
- CCE commonly involves County Lines drug trafficking or local drug supply, theft, fraud, serious violence and other forms of criminality.
- Both are forms of modern slavery, as individuals are controlled, threatened and exploited for criminal gain.
Who is Affected by Criminal Exploitation & CCE?
- Adults affected often have experiences of homelessness, poor mental health or drug dependency that increase vulnerability to coercion.
- Children of all backgrounds and ages can be affected, though those experiencing poverty, family instability, school exclusion, drug dependency and experience of the care system are at higher risk.
- In 2024, just under 6,000 children were referred to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) (the UK’s framework for identifying victims of modern slavery) as suspected victims of CCE, making it the most common form of modern slavery affecting UK children.
Signs of Criminal Exploitation & CCE
Characteristics of Criminal Exploitation & CCE
- Targeted recruitment: exploiters identify and groom those facing social, financial or emotional vulnerability.
- Grooming: Promise of belonging or rewards (e.g. gifts, money, protection or status) are used to secure compliance.
- Debt bondage: false debts are created or inflated to trap victims in ongoing exploitation.
- Control through fear and loyalty: victims experience a mix of intimidation and emotional manipulation.
- Blurring of victim-offender boundaries: victims may commit crimes under coercion, making identification complex.
- Rapid exploitation cycles: children are quickly moved between roles, locations and networks to avoid detection.
- Digital facilitation: contact, recruitment and instruction often occur via social media or messaging apps.
- Disengagement from professionals: school exclusion, missing episodes and hostility towards authorities often follow grooming.
Best Practices in Identifying and Acting for Victims of Criminal Exploitation & CCE
- Be empathetic and compassionate, building trust with victims and adopting a trauma-informed approach.
- Avoid criminalising victims and victim-blaming language - those coerced into crime should be recognised as victims, not offenders.
- Map and log concerns, noting changes in behaviour, locations and peers/associates.
- Work collaboratively with police, social care, education, youth justice and voluntary organisations.
- Refer victims to the NRM as soon as possible to ensure identification, safeguarding and support.
The Law - Section 45 in Criminal Exploitation & CCE cases
- Section 45 provides a statutory defence for victims of criminal exploitation who commit offences due to exploitation.
- Children do not need to prove they were compelled to commit an offence - only that they were exploited.
- Adults must show they were exploited and compelled.
- Our expert reports assess whether grooming, coercion, deception or control were present, strengthening the legal defence for exploited individuals.
What is the Role of an Expert Witness in a Criminal Exploitation & CCE Case?
- We provide independent, evidence-based assessments of criminal exploitation indicators in legal cases.
- Our reports explain recruitment, grooming, control and coercion methods used by exploiters.
- We assess vulnerabilities, the presence of coercion and the wider context of exploitation to help courts understand complex modern slavery dynamics.
Step-by-Step Process for Instructing a Criminal Exploitation & CCE Expert Witness
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Contact us to discuss the specifics of the case.
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Agree on the scope of the report and deadlines.
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Provide relevant case files, including prosecution evidence, social care records, medical records and NRM documentation.
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We review the evidence, assess the individual where possible and provide a detailed expert report.
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We attend court hearings to present findings where necessary.
Tips on Instructing a Criminal Exploitation & CCE Expert Witness
- Provide clear instructions and all relevant evidence, including police reports, exhibits and social care records.
- Instruct a psychologist or psychiatrist to assess trauma and vulnerabilities, particularly in child cases.
- Allow sufficient time for detailed analysis and report preparation.
Founded by Dr Grace Robinson in 2019.
OUR PRIMARY AIM IS TO SUPPORT VICTIMS AND INCREASE AWARENESS OF MODERN SLAVERY.