Human Trafficking Ring Busted After Roads Policing Stop in Bristol
Marin Grigore, 29, of Tudor Road, Bristol, has been jailed for running a human trafficking and prostitution ring. Alongside his wife Mirela Mincu and brother-in-law Alexandru Dita, he trafficked women from abroad and forced them to sell sex from rented homes in Easton, Bristol, and other South West locations.
Suspicious Stop Leads to Shocking Discovery
The operation was exposed after PC Matt Boiles stopped Grigore and Alexandru Dita on Broad Weir in the early hours of 28 July last year. Suspecting uninsured driving, the officer checked the BMW and found a 19-year-old woman in nightwear sitting in the back with a suitcase, immediately raising alarm bells.
Police checks revealed Dita had prior convictions for human trafficking. Both men were arrested. The woman later told officers that Grigore had arranged for her to travel from Germany to work as a sex worker under false pretences.
Brothels Found, Online Ads Lead to Arrests
Following the arrest, officers raided a property on Bloy Street, Bristol, given as Grigore’s home. There they found his wife, sister-in-law Adriana Dita, and three women who admitted to working as sex workers. Evidence suggested the house was used as a brothel.
Further investigations uncovered adverts online and in Romanian classified publications promoting sexual services using Mincu’s email and phone number. A second property on Tudor Road, rented by Grigore, was also found to house sex workers.
Huge Profits, Harsh Sentences
Financial probes revealed over £100,000 had passed through accounts linked to Mincu, Alexandru Dita, Grigore, and Adriana Dita in just 12 months. None could explain the cash flow, except Grigore who claimed to earn £50 a day cleaning cars.
- Marin Grigore was sentenced to 21 months for controlling prostitution, trafficking, and handling criminal property.
- Alexandru Dita, 30, got two years for controlling prostitution and possessing criminal property.
- Mirela Mincu, 32, received 23 months suspended, plus a three-month curfew and 100 hours unpaid work.
- Adriana Dita, 26, was handed a 12-month community order and 50 hours unpaid work.
Police Praise Road Officer for Crucial Role
“One of our roads policing officers saw beyond a simple traffic stop and helped dismantle a prostitution ring exploiting vulnerable women,” said Detective Inspector Mark Newbury.
“While we found no evidence of forced prostitution, one woman was clearly coerced and manipulated by Grigore, who promised a relationship but exploited her instead.”
“Grigore and Alexandru Dita led the operation, raking in huge sums from women’s sexual services. Mincu coordinated appointments through messages and online adverts.”
“We’re committed to stripping these criminals of their illegal gains under the Proceeds of Crime Act.”
Support Offered to Victims
DI Newbury added, “The women found in the car and at the various properties were offered help by specialist officers. This case shows our dedication to protecting vulnerable people and bringing exploiters to justice.”
