The recent jailing of a ‘Brothel Queen’ exposes a surge in UK modern slavery referrals, raising concerns about the nation’s commitment to combating trafficking.
Brothel Queen jailed for trafficking 22 women
Achareeya Spurr, 49, known as the ‘Brothel Queen’, was recently jailed alongside her husband, Chin Ping, 56, for sex trafficking. They brought 22 women from Thailand to the UK over a single year, with two additional victims from Denmark and Scotland.
The trafficked women were forced to work 14-hour days, earning as little as GBP50 per shift. They accumulated immense debts, reportedly up to GBP25,000, which were never properly recorded, ensuring they remained trapped in a cycle of exploitation. Spurr also threatened to report victims to immigration services if they complained.
Modern slavery referrals surge in UK
Official figures show a significant increase in modern slavery referrals in the UK, alongside a substantial economic cost.
- 23,411 referrals to the National Referral Mechanism in 2025, a 22% increase in one year.
- The proportion of sexual exploitation cases remains consistent over recent years.
- Modern slavery costs the UK economy an estimated GBP60 billion annually, approximately 2% of GDP.
Modern Slavery Act praised a decade ago
A decade ago, Britain’s Modern Slavery Act 2015 was widely acclaimed internationally. It was designed to empower charities and help victims escape abuse, reflecting a strong political will to tackle human trafficking and modern-day slavery.
However, Andrew Wallis OBE, a sex trafficking expert who advised on the Act, suggests that this initial determination has waned. He notes a shift in government focus and policing priorities, with modern slavery no longer a top priority on every police force’s threat assessment.
UK economy loses £60 billion to slavery
The UK economy suffers a staggering GBP60 billion loss each year due to modern slavery, a figure equivalent to two percent of the nation’s GDP. This economic drain represents a significant burden on public resources and diverts funds that could be used for legitimate economic growth and public services.
Beyond the financial impact, the human cost is immeasurable. Victims endure brutal conditions, psychological trauma, and loss of freedom. The existence of such widespread exploitation also undermines the rule of law and the UK’s reputation as a nation committed to human rights.
Traffickers exploit social media and disasters
The methods used by traffickers like Spurr reflect a broader, evolving pattern of exploitation. Recruiters now heavily utilise social media platforms, such as TikTok, to deceive and entice victims with promises of wealth and better lives in the UK.
This digital recruitment is complemented by exploiting extreme vulnerability, such as the aftermath of natural disasters. Experts, including Wallis, point out that traffickers are often among the first to arrive after events like the 7.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand last year, preying on displaced and desperate individuals.
The ‘Cloud 9’ gang, which jailed madam Jie Zhang operated, also used similar exploitative practices.
Government’s next steps against exploitation
The primary question is whether the UK government will reverse its apparent shift in prioritisation and re-commit to robust anti-slavery measures, particularly given the rising referral numbers.
- Will modern slavery regain its status on the National Threat Assessment for police forces?
- What specific policy changes will be implemented to address the economic cost and human impact of this crime?
UK must restore focus on modern slavery
The recent jailing of Achareeya Spurr, the ‘Brothel Queen’, serves as a stark reminder that modern slavery is not a problem of the past. Instead, it is a growing crisis in the UK, with referral numbers soaring and sophisticated trafficking networks operating with impunity.
The UK’s initial leadership in combating modern slavery, exemplified by the 2015 Act, appears to have eroded. The reported downgrading of modern slavery from national threat assessments and the renaming of key programmes suggest a dangerous complacency has set in.
This shift in focus is unacceptable. The human cost of exploitation, coupled with the immense economic burden of GBP60 billion annually, demands a renewed and vigorous commitment. The government must reinstate modern slavery as a top policing priority and dedicate sufficient resources to dismantle these criminal networks.
Failing to do so allows vulnerable individuals to be preyed upon, while the UK’s moral standing diminishes.
Monitoring government response to rising figures
Attention will now turn to any official statements or policy announcements from the Home Office regarding the escalating modern slavery referral figures.
- Observe if the government re-evaluates its strategy for combating modern slavery in light of the economic and human costs.
- Look for any indications of increased funding or renewed prioritisation for law enforcement agencies tackling organised immigration crime and exploitation.
