Brothel Boss Mario Nicolae Slapped with Huge £333k Payback Order
Mario Nicolae, 44, was busted in September 2018 after locals complained about a property in Downs Avenue being constantly visited by different men at all hours. Suspicion fell on Nicolae, who was renting the spot and allegedly managing a brothel.
Denials Don’t Hold Up Against Mounting Evidence
At first, Nicolae denied taking half the earnings of his sex workers. He claimed he sometimes helped the women with massage services, explaining contracts showing a 50/50 split. But police found paperwork proving he regularly funnelled thousands of pounds to a Gibraltar bank account.
Guilty Plea Lands Suspended Sentence
Nicolae, formerly of Windsor Road in Ealing, London, eventually pleaded guilty to managing a brothel, inciting prostitution, and money laundering. In August 2019, Maidstone Crown Court handed him a 19-month suspended prison term.
Judge Orders Massive Asset Seizure or Jail Time
At a final confiscation hearing in March 2022, the judge ruled Nicolae earned £391,104 from his criminal racket. He must repay £333,020 from identified bank accounts and properties within three months — or face four years behind bars.
Detective Inspector Helen Smithers of Kent Police’s Serious Economic Crime Unit said: “Mario Nicolae initially claimed everything he was doing was above board but we proved he was inciting prostitution and profiting from it. Thanks to the Proceeds of Crime Act, he can no longer enjoy the spoils of his crimes.”
“Brothels are a blight on communities and exploit vulnerable people. We urge anyone with concerns to report suspicious activity.”
Spot Something? Report It!
- Report suspicious behaviour: www.kent.police.uk/report
- Call Kent Police on 101
- Contact Crimestoppers anonymously: 0800 555111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org
