Written question asked by Anthony Steen (Conservative) on Monday, 7 July 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 9 July 2008. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Tuesday, 15 July 2008 on behalf of the Home Office.

Human Trafficking

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much of the money recovered as a result of Operation Pentameter 2 has gone to (a) victims in compensation and (b) the Exchequer; and what currencies the money recovered was in.

Answer: All receipts from recovered assets are transferred to the Treasury with 50 per cent. returned to the investigative, prosecution and enforcement bodies for re-investment in further asset recovery activity. The remaining 50 per cent. is received by the Home Office and supports a range of business, including community crime reduction projects.There are various avenues for victims of crime to claim compensation. Victims of violent crime can apply to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, which has granted awards for victims of human trafficking. Additionally, prosecutors can request a compensation order following a conviction and the Crown Prosecution Service has issued guidance highlighting the application of this in human trafficking cases. It is also open to a victim to pursue compensation directly through the civil courts.The vast majority of cash seized under Operation Pentameter 2 was in sterling with a small amount in euros.

Secondary information