Birmingham human trafficker jailed after forcing teenager into prostitution
Francisc Lazaroiu was sentenced to 14 years.
Last updated 7th Mar 2024
A man has been jailed after enslaving a young woman, forcing her into prostitution, and repeatedly raping her has been jailed for 14 years.
Francisc Lazaroiu, 23, was found guilty after a re-trial of raping the 19-year-old at an address in Birmingham.
It's after his parents, Antonio Lazaroiu, 41, and mother Florina Ion, 39, were jailed for eight years last year for trafficking the teenager for sexual exploitation.
The 23-year-old and his parents had been found guilty of controlling prostitution for gain and human trafficking after luring the Romanian teenager to the UK with claims of a job in retail.
But the promise of a better life was a lie and they instead forced her into prostitution at their home in Handsworth, even driving her to clients in Walsall, and then taking the money she earned.
They also subjected her to physical and verbal abuse, frequently beating her, with Francisc Lazaroiu also repeatedly raping her during the seven-month ordeal.
But after one particularly brutal assault by Francisc Lazaroiu, the young woman fled the property in May 2021 and found sanctuary with a neighbour, who called police.
Police tracked down Antonio and Francisc Lazaroiu, who had fled to Scotland and arrested them, before Florina Ion was later arrested in Southampton.
Specialist rape and sexual offences teams worked with the young woman to compile evidence against her three captors and, alongside an anti-slavery group, International Justice Mission, also supported her through the court process.
DC Andrew Jones said: "This young woman was subjected to vile abuse, fear, and sexual violence by people who exploited her after she mistakenly believed they could offer her decent prospects in the UK.
"We worked closely with the International Justice Mission, to ensure she has been given the most suitable support as we guided her through the process of bringing her tormentors before the courts.
“With the culmination of these sentencings we hope this brave young woman can begin to recover and find some peace.”
Shawn Kohl, director for the European Anti-Trafficking Program at International Justice Mission, said: "We are grateful for a strong partnership with West Midlands police for their role in making justice a reality."