Bust! Met and Romanian Police Smash Human Trafficking Ring in London
Detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, backed by Romanian police and Eurojust, swooped on an organised crime gang trafficking women from Romania to the UK. The gang ran a fake high-class escort service across London, exploiting women for sex and raking in huge cash.
Mass Arrests and Raids Across London and Romania
- On 18 May, 14 suspects were arrested across London and Romania – nine men and five women.
- The Met executed six search warrants in Kensington, Chelsea, Westminster, and Camden.
- Items seized included a Samurai sword, Class A drugs, piles of cash, and luxury goods.
- Two Romanian women were found inside the raided properties in London.
- Ten simultaneous raids took place in Romania, with eight arrests made and four cars seized worth €250,000.
- Romanian authorities have moved to seize assets totalling €1 million linked to the crime group.
Crackdown on Organised Crime and Human Exploitation
“This investigation will continue as we look to find everyone involved, protect vulnerable victims and uncover the true scale of this illegal operation,” said Detective Inspector Jim Madden from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command.
“Sadly, this kind of exploitation is still rife across London. The Met’s Modern Slavery Team works day and night to identify traffickers and support hundreds of victims each year.
“We work closely with national and international partners to share intelligence and bring criminals to justice.”
The joint operation shines a harsh light on a dark network profiting from human misery. Enquiries remain ongoing as police hunt for all those behind this sinister trafficking ring.
