An organised crime gang led by a Nantwich has been sentenced as part of an investigation into human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
Krzysztof Henryk Jakubiak was jailed for three-and-a-half years during a hearing at Warrington Crown Court.
He had pleaded guilty to 36 offences relating to human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
He was also handed an indefinite control order – the first to be issued in the UK under new legislation regarding human trafficking.
This will place considerable restrictions on him once he is released from prison.
Marlena Soska, who assisted him, was given an 18 month community order.
She had previously pleaded guilty to seven offences relating to human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
Jakubiak, aged 49, and Soska, 37, were involved in running a number of brothels across the UK – using a particular website to advertise the services of prostitutes, who were under their control in return for financial reward.
They brought Polish women in and out of the UK and moved them around brothels under the control of the gang.
The enterprise went on for at least two years with an estimated turnover of more than £1 million.
Jakubiak, living at an address in Nantwich, and Soska, who was living in Crewe, were arrested on May 20 when Cheshire Police executed warrants across the UK.
Raids were carried out at seven properties in Nantwich, Crewe, London, Stoke, Preston and Bristol. Eight women were found inside the properties.
They were spoken to by specially trained officers before being offered advice and support.
The operation, led by Cheshire Police, involved different agencies and police forces across the UK Including The Met, Avon and Somerset Police, Staffordshire Police and Lancashire Police along with the National Crime Agency.
Det Insp David Browne, from Cheshire Police, who led on the operation, said: “The successful conclusion of this case reinforces Cheshire’s commitment to tackling this type of crime and should reassure local communities that we are doing everything we can to put a stop to this sort of activity.
“Human trafficking and sexual exploitation stems from organised crime and targets some of the most vulnerable people in our society.
“People may be shocked to hear that this sort of thing has taken place in Cheshire but this case highlights the fact that human trafficking and sexual exploitation can happen anywhere – even in the most unexpected of places. No-one really knows what goes on behind closed doors.”
Police became aware of Jakubiak following intelligence from a tip-off by staff at a local library.
They were concerned he was visiting on a regular basis and was acting suspiciously.
Officers started to investigate and built up intelligence which uncovered a web of brothels across the country.
DI Browne added: “This type of crime is not something we can deal with in isolation and it is important we continue to work together with other forces across the UK – and further afield – to disrupt the networks behind this criminal behaviour and ensure that anyone suspected of being involved is dealt with.
“It is also important that anyone who is a victim – or is at risk of becoming a future victim – is identified and offered the necessary support and safeguarding.
“As this case has highlighted information from the local community is vital in tackling this type of crime – I would urge anyone who has any concerns or any information to speak to a local officer or call Cheshire Police on 101.
“If you do not feel comfortable contacting police directly then information can be passed on anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555111.”
Senior Crown prosecutor Rachael Barber, of Mersey-Cheshire Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Jakubiak operated a sophisticated business where he organised the transportation of women from Poland so that they could work in a series of brothels throughout the UK. His partner in crime, Soska, was also involved in the business.
“Following a thorough investigation by Cheshire Police, their operation was uncovered and quickly closed down.
“The Crown Prosecution Service will support the Police in robustly prosecuting these cases where women are trafficked into the UK for the purpose of sexual exploitation.”
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