Notorious Trafficker Snared After Fake ID Entry to UK
A well-known criminal, Ion Rudacan—aka Ion Paun—has finally been caught after sneaking into the UK under a false identity. The 36-year-old Romanian was previously jailed and deported for human trafficking and controlling prostitution but kept trying to get back in.
Rudacan’s Reign of Deceit Ends in Brighton Sting
Rudacan was a key target in Greater Manchester Police’s Operation Elba, tackling women trafficking in the north-west. Despite his criminal record, he illegally re-entered the UK using a fake name and even rented a car in Brighton last July.
His luck ran out on September 4 when Sussex Police’s Tactical Firearms Unit stopped his vehicle during a routine check on Marine Parade, Brighton. He was swiftly arrested, facing multiple serious charges.
Six Years Inside for Slavery and Deportation Breaches
On October 10, at Lewes Crown Court, Rudacan pleaded guilty to:
- Three breaches of a Slavery and Trafficking Prevention Order
- Breaching a Deportation Order
- Three attempts to breach the Deportation Order
- Illegally trying to enter or stay in the UK with false documents
The court sentenced him to six years behind bars. Currently homeless, Rudacan faces a tough stretch after his persistent defiance.
Criminal Background and Police Praise for Teamwork
Rudacan was originally jailed in November 2021 for two years and three months for human trafficking and prostitution control in Manchester. He was deported in January 2022 but repeatedly tried to sneak back across the border using forged EU Settlement applications. He was removed multiple times from Stansted and Liverpool John Lennon airports before finally getting caught in Sussex.
Rudacan was also slapped with a ten-year Slavery and Trafficking Prevention Order restricting his access to vehicles and mobile devices unless reported to police.
Inspector Oliver Fisher of Sussex Police’s Tactical Firearms Unit said the arrest was a “proactive win” in the fight against modern slavery and trafficking. Meanwhile, Detective Inspector Tony Platten from GMP condemned Rudacan’s blatant flouting of court orders, praising cross-force teamwork in capturing him.
Home Office Assistant Director Tony Hilton credited police and immigration officers for relentlessly hunting down Rudacan and vowed to keep fighting people traffickers to protect UK borders and save lives.
