This webinar explores a real-life case in which British Transport Police (BTP) officers identified a 15‑year‑old young person at London Bridge station, triggering an investigation that led to the successful prosecution of two individuals under the Modern Slavery Act.
This ground breaking work has not only secured justice for the victim, but also contributed to national policy improvements through DI Davies’ Modern Slavery Guidance document - now adopted across BTP and other forces.
Speakers
Mel Warnes
Deputy National Secretary - Police Federation
Ben Hudson
National Detectives' Forum Chair - Police Federation
Rob Mercer
Detective Constable - British Transport Police
Sam Whitfeld
Detective Constable - British Transport Police
Matt Davies
Detective Inspector - British Transport Police
13:00
From Routine Stop to Landmark Conviction: Leveraging the Modern Slavery Act to Tackle County Lines
Operation Verdin arose from the safeguarding and arrest of a 15‑year‑old at London Bridge station by British Transport Police County Lines Taskforce (CLTF) officers.
Early investigative actions identified an active drugs line and links to adult offenders. Subsequent analysis confirmed the operation of a drugs line responsible for large‑scale Class A supply, alongside clear evidence of child criminal exploitation. A lengthy and complex investigation followed, supported by detailed analytical work and drug expert evidence. Despite an initial CPS refusal to authorise Modern Slavery charges, BTP formally challenged the decision, resulting in CPS authorising charges under the Modern Slavery Act, demonstrating the effective use of evidence‑led prosecutions without reliance on victim testimony.
Operation Verdin is an excellent example of maximising the use of the Modern Slavery Act in county lines investigations, overcoming common barriers to charge through robust evidential building, analytical products, and effective challenge to influence CPS decision‑making.
Matt Davies
Sam Whitfeld
Rob Mercer