Northampton Couple Jailed Over Horrific Sex Slavery Case
On October 5, 2023, Northamptonshire Police sprang into action after a man in Spain alerted them that his ex-partner was being forced into sex work by a sinister pair from Northampton. Ionut-Alin Dobre, 30, and Nicoleta-Andreeva Zaharia, 33, once resident on St Andrew’s Street, were named as the culprits.
Rescue Drama Unfolds in Northampton Flat
Police rushed to the flat address supplied and found a woman in her 30s trapped inside. Officers immediately safeguarded her. A search uncovered chilling evidence that the property was being used for prostitution.
The victim revealed she hadn’t been free to come or go since September 7, held captive and exploited for months.
Guilty Pleas and Prison Sentences
Dobre and Zaharia faced charges including arranging travel for exploitation, controlling prostitution for gain, and modern slavery. Both pleaded guilty to controlling prostitution on March 4.
Last month, they were each sentenced to 17 months behind bars at Northampton Crown Court. A restraining order also forbids them from contacting the victim indefinitely.
Victim Speaks Out: ‘They Made Me Feel Like Property’
“I keep having nightmares about how I was treated, waking up afraid and checking the room,” the victim said in a heartfelt statement read at the hearing.
“Daily things like getting the shopping are hard. I’m hesitant to answer calls, scared they’re trying to reach me.”
“They made me feel like I was property and I belonged to them.”
Investigator Hails Victory Over Modern Slavery
Detective Constable Charlotte Orr, lead investigator, praised the police work. “Dobre and Zaharia exploited this woman for their own gain, coercing her into more sex work and taking much of her earnings,” she said.
“They stripped her of freedom, locking her in the flat. Thankfully, she got a message out, leading to their arrest. With them behind bars, we hope she can start to heal.”
“Tackling exploitation is a top priority. We’ll keep hunting down criminals like this.”
Know the Signs, Report Modern Slavery
- Modern slavery can happen anywhere, to anyone.
- Victims may seem afraid, compliant, or even defend their exploiters.
- Trust your instincts if you suspect forced labour or sexual exploitation.
See something suspicious? Contact Northamptonshire Police on 101 or dial 999 in an emergency.
You can also call the Modern Slavery Helpline confidentially on 08000 121 700 or Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
