Police Scotland is set to enlist the support of officers from Romania as part of an initiative aimed at aiding women who have fallen victim to sex trafficking.
The initiative has received backing from the Home Office and the Romanian Embassy in London, which will facilitate the temporary deployment of two Romanian officers for a six-month period, commencing on January 8.
This development follows a significant inquiry into the exploitation of Romanian women in the UK, revealing the operation of a profitable sex-for-hire establishment in Motherwell.
Earlier reports highlighted the incarceration of a group of Romanian individuals involved in this illicit operation, awaiting sentencing in the upcoming year.
In an update provided to the Scottish Police Authority, Police Scotland emphasized, "There is a notable issue of under-reporting regarding the trafficking and sexual exploitation of Romanian females in Scotland, resulting in numerous potentially vulnerable individuals refraining from engaging with law enforcement and other relevant authorities."
Law enforcement officers are optimistic that the temporary placement of Romanian personnel will foster an environment where Romanian nationals feel more at ease approaching authorities to report instances of trafficking.
The agreement to bring these officers to Scotland was solidified subsequent to a visit by Romanian diplomats to the Police Scotland crime campus in Lanarkshire during September.
Recruitment efforts to select the two officers for this mission are currently in progress in Romania.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland further elucidated, stating, "This initiative aims to encourage increased reporting of trafficking cases involving Romanian nationals, offering culturally sensitive information on their rights and addressing exploitation. Our goal is to support survivors in their journey toward recovery and empower them to step forward and report instances of exploitation."