Family Gang Jailed for Trafficking Women into UK for Prostitution
Four members of the same family have been handed jail sentences for trafficking women from Europe into the UK to work as prostitutes. The gang made over £20,000 a month exploiting vulnerable women through a horrific modern slavery racket.
Northamptonshire Police Crack Down in Operation Eton
Northamptonshire Police secured their first-ever modern slavery convictions thanks to Operation Eton, a six-month probe exposing this organised crime gang. The family members involved—Jamie Dunn, 42, his father Martin Dunn, 74, Jamie’s partner Catalina Cojocaru, 37, and her brother Andrei Cojocaru, 26—pleaded guilty to multiple charges at Northampton Crown Court.
How the Gang Worked
- Between 2015 and 2017, they trafficked women mainly from Romania to work in streets of Northampton, Nottingham, Birmingham, and other Midlands towns.
- Jamie Dunn advertised up to 13 women on websites and scouted properties to turn into brothels.
- Catalina Cojocaru handled sourcing women from Europe and day-to-day running of the operation, acting as the “boss” to the women and managing their earnings.
- Andrei Cojocaru ran client communications and arranged transport from airports, using 12 mobile phones to coordinate bookings.
- Martin Dunn provided the cash flow, funding flights, properties, and hotels after selling his home.
The gang skimmed half of the women’s earnings—sometimes over £1,600 daily—while forcing them into exhausting, abusive labour.
Sentences Delivered, Police Confirm Commitment
- Jamie Dunn: 4 years 9 months in prison for trafficking, controlling prostitution, and acquiring criminal property.
- Catalina Cojocaru: 3 years 9 months for trafficking and controlling prostitution for gain.
- Andrei Cojocaru: 1-year suspended sentence plus 150 hours unpaid work for controlling prostitution.
- Martin Dunn: 12-month community order and 100 hours unpaid work for acquiring criminal property.
“With the false promise of a better life in the UK, this organised crime gang exploited vulnerable women,” said Detective Inspector Carrie Powers, the senior investigating officer.
“These women worked long hours only to have a large portion of their earnings taken away to fund the gang’s luxurious lifestyles.”
“Northamptonshire Police remain committed to tackling modern slavery and bringing offenders to justice.”
Spot the Signs of Modern Slavery
Modern slavery traps victims of all ages, genders, and nationalities through threats or deception, forcing them into exploitative work. Victims often don’t recognise they are trapped.
If you suspect modern slavery, call the Modern Slavery Helpline in confidence on 08000 121 700, open 24/7 all year round.
