LASZLO MATUS FROM HUNGARY SENTENCED IN BLACKBURN FOR SEX TRAFFICKING NETWORK

Laszlo Matus, a 53-year-old man originally from Hungary, has been handed a seven-year prison sentence after being found guilty of his involvement in a large-scale sex trafficking operation. The criminal scheme primarily targeted Hungarian women, who were coerced into prostitution and exploited across various regions, including Lancashire and beyond. Matus was identified by law enforcement as a key figure within this nationwide trafficking network, often described as a 'trusted enabler' by police officials.

According to reports, Matus resided with the victims—believed to be four young women of Hungarian nationality—and played an active role in monitoring their movements. This surveillance was part of a broader effort to control and facilitate their exploitation, ensuring the traffickers' operations ran smoothly. His responsibilities extended to transporting the victims to different brothels located in towns such as Preston, Blackburn, Bolton, Oldham, and Birmingham. In addition to logistical duties, Matus managed the financial side of the operation, receiving direct payments for the services provided by the women. These earnings were then forwarded to the traffickers behind the scenes, further fueling the criminal enterprise.

His arrest and subsequent extradition from Austria marked a significant step in the pursuit of justice. Matus faced charges including conspiracy to facilitate travel for the purpose of exploitation, controlling prostitution for financial gain, and concealing criminal assets. His conviction came after a thorough investigation conducted jointly by Lancashire Police and the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit, which uncovered a complex network of illicit activities spanning multiple regions. The authorities highlighted the bravery of the victims who came forward to assist in the investigation, emphasizing their ongoing support and the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals from modern slavery.

It is noteworthy that Matus’s sentencing followed the earlier imprisonment of Attila Angyal and Melinda Petrovics, a married couple from Bolton, who were jailed in December of the previous year for their roles in trafficking Hungarian women into the UK for prostitution. The case underscores the persistent efforts of law enforcement agencies to dismantle such criminal networks and to bring those responsible to justice, ensuring the safety and dignity of exploited victims across the region.