17.Section 2 provides for the application of the human trafficking offence to conduct in the United Kingdom and elsewhere, reflecting the fact that human trafficking activity may involve activity that is completely or partly outwith Scotland. This measure implements the terms of Article 10(2)(c) (jurisdiction) of the Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings, and protecting victims, replacing Framework Decision 2002/629/JHA (“EU Directive”).(4)
18.Subsections (1) and (2) provide that a UK national, a person who at the time of the offence was habitually resident in Scotland or a body incorporated under the law of a part of the UK, commits an offence of human trafficking regardless of where the relevant action takes place. Whether or not a person is “habitually resident” in Scotland will be determined in the light of all the facts and circumstances of the case.
19.Subsection (3) provides that any other person commits the offence of human trafficking only if any part of the relevant action takes place in the UK, or the relevant action is taken with a view to a person arriving in or entering into, departing from, or travelling within, the UK.