Mananchaya Wanitthanawet, a 42-year-old woman, has been sentenced to nine years in prison for trafficking two vulnerable young women from Thailand to the UK, where she forced them into prostitution in various locations across Scotland. The court was informed that Wanitthanawet lured the victims with false promises of legitimate employment at a massage parlour, only to exploit them upon their arrival. This case highlights the pervasive issue of human trafficking and the severe impacts it has on victims, who are often lured under false pretenses.

As part of the prosecution under the Proceeds of Crime Act, Wanitthanawet has also been ordered to pay £3,815, reflecting a settlement reached in which her total criminal gains were assessed to be approximately £123,000. However, the limited available amount reduces what can be confiscated to just a fraction of her apparent profits from this exploitative venture. This outcome underscores the challenges of adequately penalizing human traffickers and ensuring that exploitative gains are effectively stripped from them.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of many individuals who are trafficked and emphasizes the need for stronger protections and support systems for potential victims. It calls for increased awareness and actionable measures to combat human trafficking and safeguard those at risk, particularly young women seeking better opportunities abroad.