Five men and two women have been sentenced for their roles in a large-scale organised crime group responsible for trafficking and sexually exploiting young women across the UK.
Following a five-year joint investigation between South Yorkshire Police and Romanian Police, the criminal network — which trafficked at least 14 young women from Romania to addresses in London and Doncaster between 2016 and 2019 — has been dismantled.
The victims, aged in their 20s and 30s, were forced into sexual exploitation at multiple locations, including properties in Doncaster, Ilford, and Norwich. The extensive investigation revealed that the group operated a franchise-style network across these areas, moving women between locations for maximum financial gain.
Officers uncovered vital evidence linking the offenders to the trafficking operation, including detailed phone records showing communications between group members, substantial cash transfers between bank accounts linked to the criminal enterprise, and the tracking of vehicles used to transport the victims across the country.
As a result of the investigation, five men received custodial prison sentences, while two women were handed suspended sentences for their involvement.
A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said: “This was a complex, lengthy investigation that has successfully brought a dangerous organised crime group to justice. We are committed to working with our international partners to target those who exploit vulnerable individuals for profit.”
Authorities also praised the courage of the victims, whose testimonies were critical in securing convictions.
The case highlights the importance of cross-border cooperation in tackling human trafficking and organised crime networks that operate internationally.
