Caitlin Hanna documentary exposes human trafficking and exploitation in Belfast

A powerful new BBC documentary, Caitlin Hanna: Trafficked In Belfast, is shedding light on the short life and tragic death of a young Belfast woman, and the three-year police investigation that uncovered a hidden criminal underworld operating in Northern Ireland.

The hour-long film examines how Caitlin Hanna, who was just 21 years old, was exploited by a criminal enterprise before dying from a drug overdose in 2022 — a reality her family and friends say they were completely unaware of at the time.

Police and family testimony at the heart of the documentary

Made by Strident Media, the documentary features testimony from Caitlin’s mother, her friends, and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

Together, they describe how Caitlin was groomed, controlled and exploited by criminals who targeted young local women and supplied them with drugs.

The film outlines how Caitlin’s family and friends did not know she was being trafficked and sexually exploited until after her sudden death.

Death sparks wider investigation into organised exploitation

Following Caitlin’s death in 2022, more victims came forward, enabling police to uncover a wider network of criminal activity.

Their bravery helped bring four men to justice, highlighting the scale of exploitation taking place behind closed doors in Northern Ireland.

Six-year sentence for trafficker Derek Brown

Among those convicted was Derek Brown, a 61-year-old man who trafficked, spied on and sexually assaulted Caitlin.

Brown was handed a six-year prison sentence in 2025.

Human cost of hidden criminal networks

The documentary places a strong focus on the human impact of exploitation, showing how organised crime can remain hidden in plain sight, even from those closest to the victims.

Through first-hand testimony, Caitlin Hanna: Trafficked In Belfast highlights the devastating consequences for families, friends and communities, and how Caitlin’s death ultimately exposed a criminal underworld operating across Northern Ireland.

Where to watch

Caitlin Hanna: Trafficked In Belfast is available to watch now on demand on BBC iPlayer.