Knife-Wielding Gang Jailed for Terrifying Sex Worker Robberies
Four ruthless robbers who terrorised sex workers across London at knifepoint have finally been locked up. They were sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday, 7 February, after a string of terrifying attacks over seven months.
Brutal Attacks on Vulnerable Women
The gang targeted nine women in seven robberies across the capital. Erlandos Vyte, 24, of Chigwell, pleaded guilty to nine counts of robbery. His co-defendants — Robertas Zilionas (21), Jospin Ble (23) and Joshua Coke (21) — were found guilty after a six-week trial. Vyte was handed 12½ years, Zilionas 14 years, Ble 12 years, and Coke 10 years behind bars.
The crooks used the same chilling method every time. Vyte booked appointments with escorts, then when the women answered the door, the other men barged in. They’d tie up their victims using whatever was to hand and threaten them with knives before stealing cash, phones, cards, and valuables. Some attacks involved two women at once.
Lasting Trauma for Victims
One victim, “Crisanta,” shared a heart-wrenching impact statement in court. She told how both she and a friend were left shaken and terrified after their flat was ransacked. “Before this happened I was happy with the work I was doing, but now every time I’m aware of the risk,” she said. The attacks forced them to stop working nights and travel alone — slashing their income as fear took over their lives.
She added even hearing the robbers’ foreign accents triggered panic, forcing her to leave places abruptly. The gang’s reign of terror spanned from June 2018 to January 2019, hitting spots from Westminster and Hackney to Kensington and Tower Hamlets.
Police Praise Victims’ Bravery and Pledge Support
CCTV footage caught Vyte and Zilionis in action, kicking doors and wielding knives. With little forensic evidence, officers sifted through 327,000 lines of phone data and hours of CCTV to build their case.
Detective Sergeant Patrick Allen said: “These crimes were committed by a ruthless group of men armed with knives who targeted lone vulnerable women in their own homes. They attacked these women believing they would not report the incidents due to fear or embarrassment. They were wrong.”
“I praise those women who did come forward. Anyone in the escort trade who reports crime will be taken seriously and robustly investigated by the Met. We’re still pursuing other suspects and encourage victims to come forward.”
Detective Superintendent Guy Collings added: “No one should face violence or abuse regardless of their profession. We aim to end violence against sex workers and build trust so victims feel confident reporting crimes.”
The Met runs a dedicated advisory group to improve sex worker safety and ensure officers treat them with respect and care. The hard-won convictions send a message that justice will be pursued, no matter the victim’s line of work.
