Three sentenced for human trafficking and rape in South West
It follows an investigation by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit.
Three members of an organised crime group who trafficked women from eastern Europe to exploit as sex workers across the South West have been sentenced today.
It follows an investigation by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit.
The sentencing took place today at Bristol Crown Court. Maciej Kozlowski, 52, formerly of Midland Road in Gloucester was sentenced to a total of 14 years - nine years for trafficking and causing prostitution and five years for rape to run consecutively.
Piotr Lebek, 57, formerly of Faulkner Street in Gloucester was sentenced to seven years and six months for trafficking and causing prostitution.
Agata Jankowska, 37 of Stroud Road in Gloucester, was given three years and four months for the same offence. All three will be on the Sexual Offenders Register for five years.
Lidia Grzybowska, (Griz-i-bow-ska) 45, from Musselburgh in Scotland is to be sentenced at a later date.
Det Supt Charlotte Tucker who led the SWROCU investigation said: "This group was making huge amounts of money by trafficking women into and around the country to exploit like commodities, profiting from the risks these vulnerable victims took and the 'work' they endured.
"They showed total contempt for the women they exploited, with Kozlowski even raping one victim in a bid to recruit her to work for his group. She, and other victims, have described the long-term harm they have suffered.
"I hope the sentences handed down bring her and the other women some closure, give other victims confidence that we will do all we can to investigate and bring such offenders to justice, and show the public that we all must do more to give such victims a voice. These women were being put to work in flats and houses in our communities – please learn to spot the signs and report any suspicions."