Catching a Criminal Series Two chronicles Derbyshire police's biggest ever human trafficking and exploitation case, on the hunt for a group of Latvians who exploited dozens of vulnerable men and women for their own gain. It is now more than two years on from the launch of Derbyshire’s biggest ever human trafficking investigation, and the success of the operation has transformed the way the force deals with this type of crime.
It led to the creation of a dedicated modern slavery and human trafficking unit, equipped with the expertise, skills and contacts to make sure anyone who is a victim is given the best possible help and support, and that prosecuting offenders is swift.
The operation has a legacy that will shape that work for years, and one which came about from that one simple 999 call.
The case is also having a positive, far-reaching impact in showing other agencies just how critical joint working with other forces, both home and abroad, can be.
Without the relationship between Derbyshire Constabulary and the Latvian State Police, as well as other partners such as the National Crime Agency, Operation Doubrava may not have been as successful.
Operation Doubrava proved that slavery, trafficking and exploitation is still very much alive in the UK today.
It proved that it can happen to anyone, and it can happen anywhere, even right in the centre of our communities.
And the team believes the case sends a clear message to criminals and would-be exploiters – that there are no borders Derbyshire police will not cross, to put them behind bars.
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