HUMAN TRAFFICKERS FORCED WOMEN INTO PROSTITUTION AND EARNED OVER £700K FROM THEIR EXPLOITATION
An investigation has led to the detention of a couple after authorities uncovered that more than a dozen women had fallen victim to human trafficking and modern slavery offenses.The authorities acted on intelligence indicating women were being promoted online for prostitution, prompting a detailed three-year probe into their sexual exploitation, abuse, and maltreatment.
During the execution of a warrant, Luigi Cucu and Costela Soare, both residents of Smethwick, Sandwell, were detained in March 2023 for their involvement in exploiting these women.
Subsequent investigations by the Major Crime Team revealed that 14 women had suffered at their hands over a period stretching from January 2018 to March 2023.
One victim was trafficked into the UK in 2015 and transported to different parts of the country.
Throughout her ordeal, she was subjected to physical and verbal violence, became involved in drug abuse leading to substantial debts, was financially controlled, and coerced into working up to 20 hours daily.
She was also denied access to medical assistance and suffered severe malnutrition, with her bones visibly protruding from her skin due to lack of food.
Investigators also established that the couple likely profited at least £734,400 from exploiting women for sexual purposes with clients nationwide.
Cucu, aged 46, faced charges including arranging or facilitating travel for exploitation and controlling prostitution for profit.
After admitting guilt, he appeared in Wolverhampton Crown Court on 21 November and was sentenced to nearly ten years in prison.
Similarly, 37-year-old Soare was charged with controlling prostitution for financial gain, pleaded guilty, and received a prison sentence of just over three years while appearing alongside Cucu.
