Two men and a woman have been charged with conspiracy and controlling prostitution offences after police raided four homes in Luton on Wednesday morning.
Six women and a child were rescued in the raids, which were conducted in connection with prostitution, sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
During the operation police executed warrants at properties in Mill Street, Stanley Street, Stockwood Crescent and Leagrave Road.
Detective Inspector Rob Regan, who is leading the investigation, said: “We are very pleased by the result of yesterday’s enforcement operation which sends a clear message to both criminals and local communities in Luton that we will not tolerate these activities.”
Following the police operation The Salvation Army worked with the victims and provided practical and emotional support as needed at a reception centre.
Police made the following charges;
-Pavel Stanciulescu, 49 years, Mill Street, Luton (conspired with others unknown). Contrary to section 1 of the Criminal Law Act 1977 (conspiracy) and section 59A(1)(a) and (6) of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (trafficking out of the UK for sexual exploitation) Contrary to section 1 of the Criminal Law Act 1977 (conspiracy) and section 53 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (controlling prostitution)
-Gelu Galion, 33 years, Stanley Street, Luton (conspired together and with others unknown). Contrary to section 1 of the Criminal Law Act 1977 (conspiracy) and section 59A(1) (a) and (6) of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (trafficking out of the UK for sexual exploitation). Contrary to section 1 of the Criminal Law Act 1977 (conspiracy) and section 53 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (controlling prostitution)
-Anka Biclea, 24 years, Stanley Street, Luton (conspired together and with others unknown). Contrary to section 1 of the Criminal Law Act 1977 (conspiracy) and section 59A(1) (a) and (6) of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (trafficking out of the UK for sexual exploitation). Contrary to section 1 of the Criminal Law Act 1977 (conspiracy) and section 53 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (controlling prostitution)
Marius Mihalcia, 33, of Stanley Street was charged with possession of a false identity documents, while a further three persons from Stanley Street and Leagrave Road, two from Stockwood Crescent and Mill Street (5 in total) have been bailed in respect of trafficking offences.
They will answer bail in January.