ReutersCases of modern slavery in Greater Manchester have increased sixfold over the last 10 years, the city region’s police force has said.
Greater Manchester Police identified 948 victims last year, compared to 148 victims in 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 recorded victims.
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, who look to exploit vulnerable people, using methods such as small boats, air travel, and freight.
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.
