Sex Slave Racket Busted: Siblings and Accomplice Jailed
Claudia Anca, 27, her brother Vasile, 24, both from Chingford, and Mihaita Strat, 51, of Redbridge, have been locked up after a Met Police sting uncovered their twisted control of a prostitution and drug business. All three copped prison sentences at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 17 November, following a four-week trial that ended with guilty pleas.
Six Years for the Ancas, Two for Strat
- Claudia and Vasile Anca each sentenced to six years behind bars.
- Strat received a two-year sentence.
- They initially denied charges but bowed under overwhelming evidence.
- The Anca siblings also admitted supplying Class A drugs.
- Trafficking charges were left to lie on file.
The Operation: Running Prostitution and Peddling Cocaine
The trio ran a sexual services business advertised online, with Claudia as the ringleader. Her number was plastered on adverts, taking calls and directing the sex workers. Vasile helped run the gig, frequently chauffeuring women to hotels or clients’ homes and handing out cocaine on demand.
Strat pitched in, managing the website and also driving the women around. The business starts at least as far back as March 2019, operating under a front company called ‘Ace Concept’—set up to hide their illegal trade.
Undercover Cop Sting Brings Down Crime Gang
Detectives uncovered 73 payments linked to the adverts, totalling over £23,000 between 2019 and 2021. Surveillance, CCTV, and ANPR tech tracked multiple hotel call-outs. Undercover officers posed as customers; one even bought sex and cocaine from the gang.
On 13 January 2021, an armed sting saw Strat caught red-handed outside a Barking hotel with £890 cash and cocaine traces in his car. Subsequent raids seized cash, drugs, phones, and incriminating notes at the Anca home. Strat whispered to police, “That is the boss, she is the boss,” pointing to Claudia.
Texts on Claudia’s phone showed her strict control over the women’s appearance and behaviour. “Dress elegant, straight hair, make-up,” she demanded, warning drivers not to leave without her go-ahead. Photos of women in underwear matched online adverts.
Police Vow To Continue Fight Against Exploitation
Detective Inspector Nigel Penney, Met Modern Slavery Team, said: “This was an excellent investigation. Claudia Anca controlled this criminal enterprise, exploiting women for greed with no regard for their safety.”
“The Met is committed to making London safe and will crack down hard on those who exploit vulnerable people.”
Anyone with info is urged to call police on 101 or contact charity Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
