PAWEL PAZOLA JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN LONDON
A notorious predator who impersonated a police officer to assault two women has been sentenced to 14 years in prison.Pawel Pazola, 51, threatened the victims—both in their twenties—with an imitation gun, using claims of deportation and arrest to intimidate them.
The court learned that Pazola arranged sexual services with both women through an escort website, but after initial consent, he forced them into sexual acts that exceeded their agreement.
Both victims demonstrated notable bravery and courage by reporting the incidents.
Through phone investigation, the Metropolitan Police identified Pazola and made an arrest.
Authorities also searched his home address and vehicle.
On Friday, Pazola was sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court after being found guilty of two counts of rape, one count of robbery, impersonating a police officer, and possession of an imitation firearm.
The court was told that Pazola met the first victim at a flat in Camden, north London, in August last year, where he coerced her into acts she did not agree to.
The woman later discussed her ordeal on a WhatsApp group chat for other Brazilian sex workers, where another member revealed she experienced a similar incident just two weeks after the first attack.
Pazola then arranged to meet a second woman at a property in Westminster, central London, and similarly forced her into non-consensual sexual acts.
During both attacks, Pazola claimed to a police officer that he produced a fake police badge and a replica handgun.
He also stole money from the victims—initial payments and additional sums from the second woman.
The police arrested Pazola on Sunday, August 30, 2020.
Detective Sergeant Sam Lockstone, who led the investigation, stated: "Pazola is a highly dangerous predator who sought to take advantage of the victims’ perceived vulnerabilities for his own gratification and monetary gain.
I would like to praise the victims for showing such bravery and courage throughout this investigation and during the trial.
I am especially pleased that our supportive response to the first victim encouraged the second victim to come forward." He added, "The Met’s response to sex work has not changed; our priority remains addressing vulnerability and exploitation linked to on-street, off-street, and online sex work.
Our approach is not to criminalize the sex workers involved but to safeguard and support them, building mutual trust and confidence to encourage the sharing of information for safety improvements.
I hope this sentence demonstrates the Met’s commitment to tackling crimes against sex workers and violence against women and girls in any form." A spokesperson from Rehab UK highlighted the challenges victims face, stating: "The survivor faced multiple barriers in disclosing the crimes committed against her; fear of stigma and prejudice, mistrust in figures of authority, language barriers, and concerns about her immigration status.
Our role as an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor was to provide practical, confidential, and compassionate support to help her overcome those barriers.
She was able to navigate difficulties, explore her options, and pursue justice." Both women displayed remarkable resilience in reporting their experiences and continuing through the criminal justice process.
