A COUPLE have been jailed after being found guilty of running a £70,000 sex trafficking operation out of Swindon.

Cristian Simion and Mihaela Borcos became the first prosecutions for Wiltshire Police under the Modern Slavery Act.

The pair were tracked down after a sex worker, who was interviewed in Wrexham, told police she had been put to work by “an organised crime group” in Swindon.

They had been advertising their victims - who were usually from Romania and could not speak English - online.

Police estimated the couple made around £70,000 from their operation.

Detective Constable Nick Bishop, from Wiltshire Police, said: “We carried out a lengthy and complex investigation, using various tactics to gather the evidence we needed to prove that Simion and Borcos were trafficking vulnerable women and profiting from their misery.

“This case shows that human trafficking and modern slavery are very real crimes, with very real victims, and we will work hard to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.”

Wiltshire Police first learned of Simion and Borcos' operation in May 2017.

Enquiries led police to an address in Grantham Close, Freshbrook, Swindon, and a three-and-a-half year investigation began.

This included trawling through financial records, examining digital devices and speaking to witnesses.

The pair had previously stood trial back in July and today (29/09) appeared at Salisbury Crown Court for sentencing.

Simion, 29, now living in Grays, in Essex, who was found guilty of one count of human trafficking and two counts of money laundering, was jailed for two years and five months.

Borcos, 25, also living in Grays, in Essex, who was found guilty of one count of human trafficking and one count of money laundering, was jailed for two years and two months.

Financial records show that between April 2016 and August 2017 Simion made around £60,000 from his operation, while Borcos banked approximately £10,000.

In September last year, the team finally had the evidence they needed and the duo were charged.

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker, who leads Wiltshire Police’s work on tackling human trafficking and modern slavery, said: “These types of offences are very often hidden crimes, but we are working hard to raise awareness about them and the damage that is done to those who are exploited.

“We aim to not only identify and convict offenders, but also protect the victims – such as the vulnerable women in this case – so they have the support they need to deal with what has happened to them.

“But, this is not something the police can do alone. We need our communities to be our eyes and our ears, reporting suspicious activities or circumstances to us so we can investigate.

“If you suspect that someone you know is being exploited, or you have concerns about a business or individual you believe may be involved in modern slavery or trafficking, then please report this to us.

“Similarly, if you yourself are a victim of this type of offence, then please be reassured that help is out there.”

Communities have an important role to play in recognising the signs of human trafficking and modern slavery and we would urge everyone to learn more about these crimes and what you can do to report your suspicions by visiting our website.

You can also call the Modern Slavery Helpline confidentially on 08000 121700. This is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.