MPs fear changes as sex trafficking unit taken over by 'British FBI'

The UK Human Trafficking Centre, which has advised police on numerous investigations since its launch in 2006, will be absorbed by the Serious and Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) from April 1.

It is expected to move to SOCA premises, although the Home Office has insisted there are "no current plans" to move it out of Yorkshire.

The centre is currently the responsibility of South Yorkshire Police but bosses say transferring it to SOCA is the best way to ensure its work continues.

This view has been challenged by MPs, however, who fear the centre will become less effective as part of the larger body.

Tory MP Anthony Steen, chairman of the all-party parliamentary group on human trafficking, said: "It will be lost, absorbed, forgotten and swollen up by a very thick fog when it goes into SOCA. When it goes, we will lose the two things that the centre should be doing – collecting statistics and co-ordinating statutory agencies like the UK Border Agency, the police and local authorities.

"I suspect that the Government is trying to save some money by doing this."

Its future has been debated at Westminster, where Mr Steen argued its independence would be "shattered forever".

The chairman of the Commons Home Affairs Select Committee, Labour MP Keith Vaz, also raised doubts about SOCA's suitability for human trafficking work.

The centre brings police together with officials from the Crown Prosecution Service, SOCA, HM Revenue and Customs, the UK Border Agencies and non-government organisations.

It has exceeded all its initial targets and advised police on operations across the country, including the 2008 campaign Pentameter Two which resulted in the rescue of more than 150 victims and the arrest of more than 500 suspected offenders.

A project team has been set up to "ensure a smooth transition" to SOCA, which insists it will retain its "role and character".

A Home Office spokesman said: "Its vital work in tackling human trafficking will continue. We remain committed to ensuring that the UK is a hostile environment for traffickers while providing support to victims, in which the centre plays a vital role."