Europol chief to visit Aberdeen to talk about human trafficking
12 August 2015
Europe Direct Aberdeen will host a free talk about the EU's fight against human trafficking to mark World Humanitarian Day on Wednesday 19 August.
Former senior Grampian police officer Brian Donald, who is now Head of the Office of the Director at the European Law Enforcement Agency (Europol), based in The Hague, will give a unique insight into the work of the EU agencies and institutions tackling human trafficking across the continent.
The talk will be held at 6pm on Wednesday (19 August) in Aberdeen Central Library, Rosemount Viaduct. It will last approximately 90 minutes with light refreshments available.
A former detective superintendent in the North-east of Scotland Mr Donald spent his early career investigating criminal cases involving drugs, surveillance and major crime and was a senior manager in the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA).
Aberdeen City Council's Convener of Education and Children's Services Committee Councillor Angela Taylor said: "The United Nations World Humanitarian Day is a time to recognise those who face danger and adversity in order to help others so I am delighted that we have such a distinguished guest speaker at Aberdeen Central Library to mark the occasion.
"As Head of the Office of the Director of Europol, Brian Donald will be able to offer a fascinating insight into human trafficking and by doing so raise awareness of this dreadful crime."
Mr Donald said: "Human trafficking is one of the fastest growing and lucrative criminal activities in the world today. We see the problems getting much worse in terms of number of victims and the way in which organised crime groups are using more sophisticated techniques to recruit people, and transport and exploit them. The attraction to Europe of criminal groups involved in human trafficking has put Europol at the forefront of efforts to tackle the problem at a cross-border level.
"Events like this one in Aberdeen are important to help raise awareness of trafficking issues so that individuals and agencies know what trafficking looks like, and what to do about it."
For more information or to book a free place at the talk contact Europe Direct Aberdeen at europedirect@aberdeencity.gov.uk or telephone 01224 649483.
Europe Direct Aberdeen is based in Aberdeen Central Library and offers free guidance and information on European Union (EU) institutions, policies and funding.
The service also provides free information on a range of topics, from passenger rights, how citizens can have their say in Europe and details of EU funding. Staff can help citizens and organisations connect with others elsewhere in the EU through its EU-wide network. Workshops for children and cultural fairs are held during the course of the year by the service to engage local people in all aspects of the EU.