Human traffickers sentenced after victim's escape

A recent case has culminated in the sentencing of two individuals for their involvement in human trafficking and forced prostitution. Gheorghe Bonculescu, 27, from Doncaster, received a four-and-a-half-year prison sentence for controlling prostitution for financial gain, while Elena Birovescu, also 27 and residing at the same address, was given a two-year suspended sentence for money laundering. The charges stem from the trafficking of a woman into the country, who was subsequently coerced into sex work.

Victim's testimony and judicial response

The victim sought help from the British Transport Police at Hull Paragon station in December 2022, revealing that she had been forced into sex work after fleeing a property in Hull, which had been rented by Bonculescu as her place of work. Bonculescu had organized her travel to England and then advertised her services online. Meanwhile, over a period of seven months, Birovescu had deposited £5,000 in cash into a bank account, later transferring the funds to Bonculescu.

During the trial, Judge Mark Bury expressed the extent of the victim's suffering, stating, "She was coerced to see many customers with STIs because of you, the reality is she wasn't benefitting at all. She was a sexual prisoner."

Law enforcement's response

Detective Sergeant Richard Kirk, from Humberside Police's modern slavery and human trafficking team, condemned the actions of Bonculescu and Birovescu, labeling them as predators who exploited a vulnerable woman for financial gain. He also praised the victim for her courage throughout the investigation.

Legal proceedings and ongoing battle

The pair pleaded guilty to their charges on 15 January at Hull Crown Court and were officially sentenced on 13 February. This case sheds light on the ongoing battle against human trafficking and the importance of supporting and protecting the victims involved.