A couple from the West Midlands has been handed significant prison sentences for running a brutal human trafficking and prostitution ring that held more than a dozen women in conditions of modern slavery.
A Harrowing Operation Uncovered
Luigi Cucu, 46, and Costela Soare, 37, both of Smethwick near Birmingham, exploited 14 women between 2018 and 2023. The pair were brought to justice following a comprehensive three-year investigation by the West Midlands Police Major Crime Team.
Police first became aware of the couple's activities after discovering online advertisements offering women for sexual services. This prompted a deep dive into their operations, culminating in a warrant and their subsequent arrest in March 2023.
Victims Endured Extreme Abuse and Deprivation
The court heard shocking details of the abuse suffered by the victims. One woman, who was trafficked to the UK in 2015, was subjected to relentless physical and verbal abuse. Her captors deliberately introduced her to drug abuse, leading to large debts that further trapped her. She was controlled financially, denied essential medical care, and forced to work 20-hour days.
Another victim was found to be in a state of severe malnourishment. She was so deprived of food that her bones were visibly protruding from her skin, a stark illustration of the cruel neglect inflicted by the couple.
Substantial Profits and Final Sentencing
Investigators established that Cucu and Soare profited immensely from their exploitation of these vulnerable women. It is estimated they earned a staggering £734,400 by selling sexual services to men across the country.
At Wolverhampton Crown Court on November 21, both defendants pleaded guilty to the charges against them. Luigi Cucu was sentenced to nine years and seven months in prison for arranging travel for exploitation and controlling prostitution for gain. Costela Soare received a prison term of three years and two months after admitting to controlling prostitution for financial gain.
Leading the investigation, Detective Constable Mahadi Hasan from the Major Crime Team stated: "We've worked hard to bring these charges against both Cucu and Soare. It's been a very in-depth and thorough investigation over the course of three years to comb through evidence to piece together the couple's crimes and the abuse their victims went through. We've supported and safeguarded the victims and I'm glad that both Cucu and Soare have now been put behind bars for their crimes."
