Leeds-based 'pimp' trafficked sex workers from Romania to work at brothels across UK
He sent thousands of pounds back to Eastern Europe
A trafficker has been jailed after arranging for sex workers to travel to the UK to work at brothels .
Romanian Emmanuel Sandelescu was caught running the successful business from his home in Beeston in 2021 having arrived in the UK just weeks before.
He eventually fled the country but was finally arrested in Romania in January of this year and extradited back to the UK to answer charges.
At Leeds Crown Court this week the 39-year-old admitted conspiracy to control prostitution, facilitating travel for sexual exploitation and money laundering.
Prosecutor Katherine Robinson said Sandelescu had “sourced” the women in Romania and offered them the chance to work in the UK.
He then paid for their travel. They were put to work at addresses all over the UK and were frequently moved around.
Sandelescu had only arrived in the UK in June 2021 and was arrested just two months later.
He had been living on Grove Hall Drive in Beeston at the time.
When he was arrested they found more than £1,347 hidden in bedding, while receipts found showed more than £12,000 had been sent back to Romania during his short stay.
Sandelescu also had a business partner with whom he would communicate through messages, discussing which brothels were more profitable and at what times.
Sandelescu’s girlfriend was also involved, the court heard.
Following his arrest, he denied any involvement in prostitution and said he worked in the clothes industry.
Mitigating, Michael Devlin conceded Sandelescu had sourced the women. He pointed to his lack of previous convictions.
Judge Andrew Stubbs KC accepted that those working in the brothels were “willing participants”.
He added: “It was well organised with you organising properties up and down the country and moving sex workers regularly to where you thought you could find the most business.”
He jailed Sandelescu for 12 months.