South West Gloucester Gang Members Behind Bars for Involvement in Sex Trafficking
Police have uncovered what they believe to be one of the largest sex trafficking operations in the South West region, with at least 20 women forced into a network of brothels.
The gang responsible, led by Maciej Kozlowski, along with Piotr Lebek and Agata Jankowski, faced justice at Bristol Crown Court.
The victims, primarily hailing from Eastern Europe, endured grueling conditions, forced to serve up to 10 clients a day, working tirelessly around the clock. Deceived into believing they would be employed at a restaurant co-owned by Kozlowski, they found themselves trapped in a cycle of exploitation.
Brothels were discovered in various locations across the region, including Gloucester, Cheltenham, Swindon, Kettering, Coventry, Nottingham, Worcester, and South Wales. The victims, preyed upon due to their vulnerability, faced language barriers, debt, and intimidation from criminals armed with imitation firearms.
Detective Superintendent Charlotte Tucker emphasized the bravery of the victims who came forward to testify against their oppressors. Kozlowski, Lebek, and Jankowska admitted to trafficking women over a two-year period.
South West Law Enforcement Collaboration
For rape, trafficking, and inciting prostitution, 52-year-old Kozlowski was given a 14-year term. Due to Lebek’s involvement in the victim transportation and profits collection, he received a seven years and six months term.
Jankowski, aged 37, was handed a sentence of three years and four months for her involvement in facilitating the victims’ entry into the United Kingdom and orchestrating their placement within the network of brothels.
Meanwhile, Grzybowska, aged 45, is awaiting sentencing, with the court to decide on the appropriate legal consequences for her actions at a later date.
The group took advantage of weak people by operating on websites such as Vivastreet and AdultWork. Both websites promise to work with South West law enforcement to combat human trafficking and assert that they have stringent standards against exploitation.
Police encourage locals to report any suspicious activity, as community vigilance plays a critical role in identifying and stopping these types of crimes in the South West. Communities and law enforcement agencies may deconstruct and disrupt criminal networks that benefit from the suffering of others by cooperating.
