Woman Avoids Jail Over Human Trafficking Conviction

A 31-year-old human trafficking victim has avoided jail after she was convicted of a similar offence for her involvement with a Romanian crime gang.

Elena Cristina Cazacu was sentenced to twelve months imprisonment, suspended for two years, at Belfast Crown Court yesterday, Thursday 04 July.

She was convicted of conspiring to traffic a person for exploitation after she pled guilty to driving a 25-year-old woman around Northern Ireland, and on one occasion to Scotland, so that she could provide sexual services in exchange for money.

The defendant also pled guilty to converting criminal property in relation to almost £3000 earned as a result of her criminal activity.

Her conviction follows a wider investigation into a Romanian crime gang known to be operating in Northern Ireland. Two brothers Decebal (30) and Spartacus (22) Mihai, originally from Romania but living in Banbridge, were jailed last February for their key role in operating a UK-wide human trafficking network in the region where a number of women were trafficked for the purposes of sexual exploitation.

Police believe that all those involved in the criminal activity have been brought before the courts and all victims have since been made safe, however Ms Cazacu was later identified as another potential victim of human trafficking.

Detective Inspector Mark Bell from PSNI's Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Unit said: "This was an extremely complex case and following Elena's arrest, she disclosed that she was also a victim of human trafficking. Elena has now been identified as a potential victim by the National Crime Agency, a decision that was reached on the balance of probabilities. I want to urge anyone who is involved in human trafficking and exploitation, even if you carry this out under pressure and on behalf of others, this is still a crime. In this case, a young woman was subjected to sexual exploitation, denying her right to freedom and safety. I would appeal to anyone in this situation to come forward to police and we can handle these issues sensitively. Whilst Elena has been convicted, she is now also receiving the support that she needs. 

"Victims of human trafficking are subjected to a degrading life which violates their human rights. In many cases, the victims are terrified, cannot understand or speak English and don't have access to their own passport or money. 

"I think it's really important for the public to know that this case was the result of a proactive investigation which started following a member of the public providing us with information. As is understandable, victims of human trafficking do not want to give evidence in court but despite this, we can secure convictions and disrupt the activity, highlighting just how important it is that the public are our eyes and ears. We all need to work together to help victims and stop this unacceptable crime and I would urge anyone who has concerns about someone being exploited, to contact Police on 101 or if you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."



(JG/CM)