Nam and Van are two brave survivors of modern slavery whose stories highlight the dark reality of debt-based trafficking that continues to affect thousands around the world—often hidden in plain sight.
Nam, a young man from Ha Tinh, Vietnam, was trafficked to the UK in a refrigerated lorry and forced to work long hours on a cannabis farm. His ordeal began when his family borrowed a large sum from a loan shark to cover his father’s medical expenses. When the debt became impossible to repay, traffickers stepped in, promising work abroad. Nam was beaten, forced to work 19-hour days, and had no chance to escape. “I often thought I could die in there without anyone knowing,” he said. The trauma still lingers today.
His sister was also forced to work abroad under similar threats. Nam’s journey spanned from Russia to France and eventually to the UK, where he was first made to clean houses without pay before being taken to the illegal farm. He was eventually rescued by police and is now receiving support through the National Referral Mechanism and specialist charities, including Medaille Trust.
Van’s story is just as harrowing. He initially came to the UK legally to study. But when his visa neared expiration, loan sharks demanded repayment from his family back home, threatening violence if Van did not comply. Afraid and isolated, he was coerced into illegal work. When he tried to leave, he was told his family would suffer. Eventually intercepted by UK authorities while being smuggled to Ireland, he was first mistaken as a criminal rather than a victim.
“I thought deportation meant freedom,” Van recalls, “but I realised the gangs would just find me again. I didn’t want to live at that point.” Fortunately, he too was referred for support and is now recovering with the help of dedicated organisations.
These stories are not isolated. It is estimated that over 120,000 people in the UK may be victims of modern slavery. Trafficking gangs often exploit economic desperation and target those with no safe financial alternatives.
Medaille Trust continues to be at the forefront of the fight against modern slavery—offering safe houses, support programmes, and hope to survivors. We echo the calls of The Salvation Army and other partners: modern slavery is hidden in plain sight.
Workers who look afraid or malnourished
Individuals unsure of their address or always accompanied
People being dropped off and picked up at unusual hours
Someone else speaking on their behalf or controlling their documents
If you suspect someone is a victim of trafficking or slavery, please report it.
Together, we can break the cycle and help survivors rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.
