In a decisive blow against human trafficking, specialist officers apprehended Florea Sandu, 53, Florian Pietraru, 41, and Teodora Rotaru, 28, during a raid on a flat in Motherwell in April 2021. The arrests were a culmination of a meticulous investigation led by Police Scotland's Human Trafficking Unit.
Facing charges, the trio didn't contest their guilt, admitting their involvement in the illicit activities during a court appearance at the High Court in Glasgow on Friday, November 17, 2023. Subsequently, they were handed their sentences on Tuesday, January 9, at the High Court in Kilmarnock.
Florea Sandu received a 30-month prison term, while Florian Pietraru was sentenced to 32 months, and Teodora Rotaru received 30 months behind bars.
The sentencing drew commendation from Police Scotland, with Detective Inspector Craig Faulds expressing satisfaction with the outcome. In a statement, he underscored the force's unwavering commitment to combating serious and organized crime, particularly those profiting from the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
Faulds highlighted the insidious nature of human trafficking, stressing its profound and enduring impact on victims while perpetrators reap the benefits of their exploitative actions. He lauded the collaborative efforts of all involved in the intricate investigation and emphasized the importance of the conviction as a stern warning against such heinous exploitation.
Asserting Police Scotland's dedication to collaboration with partners in tackling human trafficking, Faulds emphasized the agency's steadfast focus on safeguarding at-risk individuals from falling prey to exploitation. The message was clear: human trafficking will not be tolerated, and those involved will face the full force of the law.