A gang of six has been jailed for their involvement in a modern slavery operation in Oldham, England. The perpetrators, including a brother and sister, lured a young Romanian woman to the UK under false pretenses and forced her into sexual exploitation.
The victim was subjected to horrific abuse, including threats of violence and imprisonment, to compel her to work as an escort. The gang profited from her exploitation, earning substantial sums of money.
The police investigation, codenamed Operation Hollow, involved meticulous analysis of mobile phone data, CCTV footage, and financial transactions to piece together the timeline of the victim's ordeal. The perpetrators were eventually apprehended and brought to justice.
The case highlights the importance of reporting suspected cases of modern slavery. Clients who engage in sex work without being aware of the victim's circumstances may be unknowingly supporting a criminal enterprise. By reporting any suspicious activity, individuals can help to disrupt these harmful networks and protect vulnerable individuals.
The individuals convicted in this case have been sentenced to a total of 16 years in prison. Their actions were described as "depraved" and "cruel" by law enforcement officials. The victim's bravery in coming forward and seeking help was instrumental in bringing her abusers to justice.