ATTILA ANGYAL AND MELINDA PETROVICS SENTENCED IN BOLTON HUMAN TRAFFICKING CASE

A husband and wife, Attila Angyal and Melinda Petrovics, have been formally sentenced for their significant roles in a human trafficking operation that facilitated the illegal entry of Hungarian women into the United Kingdom for the purpose of sex work. The couple, who reside on Fortune Street in Bolton, were identified as central figures within a well-organized crime network responsible for running multiple illicit brothels across the north-west region of England, including Birmingham.

Authorities uncovered disturbing details during their investigation, revealing that four women from Hungary were being exploited as sex workers within these clandestine establishments. It was found that these women were paid only a small portion of the money they earned, with the majority of the proceeds benefiting the traffickers. The scale and brutality of the operation underscored the severity of the crime, prompting a thorough legal response.

During the trial held at Bolton Crown Court, both Angyal and Petrovics pleaded guilty to charges of conspiring to commit human trafficking through sexual exploitation and controlling prostitution for financial gain. The court sentenced Angyal to a prison term of seven years and seven months, while Petrovics received a sentence of six years and four months. In addition to their prison sentences, the judge imposed a 10-year Slavery and Trafficking Prevention Order on both individuals, aiming to prevent any future involvement in similar criminal activities.

The case was brought to light following a proactive investigation by Lancashire Police. Officers visited a property in Blackburn after a woman, who identified herself as a sex worker, showed an officer an online advertisement promoting her services. This act of bravery by the victim played a crucial role in the case, and Detective Sergeant Jamie Illingworth praised her and the other victims for their cooperation, emphasizing their vital contribution to securing convictions.

The investigation was a collaborative effort involving three police forces and various charities dedicated to safeguarding victims and gathering evidence against traffickers. This case exemplifies ongoing efforts by law enforcement and social organizations to combat human trafficking, protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation, and dismantle organized crime networks involved in such heinous activities. The sentences handed down reflect the judiciary’s firm stance against organized trafficking and its commitment to justice for victims of sexual exploitation.