Bristol Trafficking Ring Busted After Police Stop Suspicious BMW
Marin Grigore, 29, sparked a major human trafficking probe after a chance police stop in Bristol backfired on him and his gang. Grigore, his wife Mirela Mincu, and brother-in-law Alexandru Dita were running a prostitution racket, peddling women across Easton and other parts of the South West.
Police Spot 19-Year-Old Woman in Nightwear During Traffic Stop
The drama unfolded in the early hours of 28 July last year when PC Matt Boiles stopped Grigore and Dita on Broad Weir suspecting they had no insurance. Inside their BMW, sitting next to a suitcase, was a young woman in nightwear — immediately raising alarm bells.
Checks revealed Dita had prior trafficking convictions. Both men were promptly arrested.
Brothels Exposed in Bristol Homes, Evidence Found Online
Police raided Grigore’s home on Bloy Street and found his wife Mirela, sister Adriana Dita, and three sex workers. The house was clearly used as a brothel, backed up by online ads offering sexual services linked to Mirela’s email and phone number.
A second address on Tudor Road, rented by Grigore, also housed sex workers, confirming multiple sites were involved.
Big Bucks and Guilty Pleas
Financial sleuths uncovered over £100,000 funneled through accounts linked to the gang in just one year. Four admitted their crimes at Bristol Crown Court earlier this year and received their sentences today:
- Marin Grigore: 21 months for controlling prostitution, trafficking, and handling criminal property.
- Alexandru Dita: 2 years for controlling prostitution and criminal property offences.
- Mirela Mincu: 23 months suspended sentence, 3-month curfew, and 100 hours unpaid work.
- Adriana Dita: 12-month community order with 50 hours unpaid work.
Police Praise Officer’s Sharp Eye That Dismantled Ring
“Thanks to one officer’s sharp instincts, we smashed a prostitution ring involving trafficked women,” said Detective Inspector Mark Newbury.
“While we found no evidence of forced prostitution, the exploitation was clear, especially one woman manipulated by Grigore who promised to leave his wife to start a relationship in the UK.
“Grigore and Dita led the operation, raking in vast sums, while Mincu coordinated the appointments via texts and online ads.
“None could explain their bank cash—only Grigore had a job, cleaning cars for £50 a day.
“We won’t let them profit from this crime. Proceeds of Crime action will follow.”
DI Newbury added: “We care about the welfare of the victims. Specialist officers offered support to the women found during the raids. This case shows our commitment to bringing exploiters to justice.”
