London Crime Couple Caught Trafficking and Exploiting Women
Detective Sergeant Chris Weatherstone from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command revealed a brutal sting that took down a ruthless organised crime gang exploiting vulnerable women across London. The investigation spanned several years and relied heavily on the courage of victims who spoke out against their abusers.
“This lengthy and complex investigation over several years has dismantled an organised crime group (OCG) who were exploiting women in London for their own financial gain,” said Weatherstone.
“Victims often fear coming forward in modern slavery cases, but their bravery ensured the criminals were convicted and brought to justice.”
“Anyone thinking of exploiting others for profit should expect the same relentless investigation and prosecution.”
Husband and Wife Forced Women into Sex Work
Nicusor Gheorghe, 34, was slammed with 15 years behind bars after being found guilty of multiple crimes, including rape, human trafficking, controlling prostitution, and laundering criminal property. His wife, Rodica, 33, got five years for her role in trafficking and exploiting women.
- Nicusor Gheorghe: Convicted of two counts of rape, eight counts of human trafficking, one count of trafficking into the UK for sexual exploitation, ten counts of controlling prostitution for gain, and one count of removing criminal property.
- Rodica Gheorghe: Convicted of two counts of human trafficking, eight counts of controlling prostitution for gain, and one count of removing criminal property.
How The Gheorghes Ran Their Operation
Met detectives launched the probe following intelligence from Romanian police intercepting calls back in 2018. They uncovered a sprawling sex trafficking ring run by the Gheorghes over nearly a decade.
Victims, mostly Romanian women aged 18 to 37, were lured to the UK with false promises of work. Instead, they were forced into brothels in Barking, Ilford, and other London locations. Women were controlled tightly, paid only a fraction of their earnings, and threatened with violence and intimidation.
One victim was forced to see 10 to 15 men a night and received just £20 from over £500 of weekly earnings after the Gheorghes and their associates took their cut. Nicusor Gheorghe even raped her multiple times, threatening harm to her family if she disobeyed.
Rodica strictly managed the brothels, monitoring women and enforcing harsh rules. Women were not allowed to leave during working hours and were fined for falling asleep on the job. The couple ensured flights were booked through a third party to hide their involvement.
Between 2010 and 2019, the Gheorghes funneled over £150,000 of criminal profits out of the UK to fund property and businesses in Romania.
Met Officer Opens Up on Human Trafficking Battle
Detective Constable Lore Hancock, a Romanian national tackling human trafficking, said: “It’s heartbreaking to see so many Romanian women trapped in prostitution due to poverty and lack of education. Using my language skills, I’ve built trust and helped victims escape this nightmare.”
“With support from NGOs, we’ve offered victims counselling, housing, and skills training. Hearing their relief at today’s verdict was incredibly emotional.”
Help Is Out There – Spot the Signs of Modern Slavery
The Met urges the public to stay vigilant. Modern slavery can lurk behind everyday scenes: construction sites, car washes, nail bars, and more. Many victims don’t see themselves as victims, often trapped by coercion and language barriers.
If you suspect someone is a victim of modern slavery or human trafficking, don’t stay silent. Help is available:
- Salvation Army confidential helpline: 0800 808 3733
- Modern Slavery Helpline (24/7): 08000 121 700
- Police online reporting: www.met.police.uk or call 101, in emergency dial 999
- Crimestoppers anonymous reporting: 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org
Say something if you see something. Together, we can stop traffickers and protect vulnerable lives.
