Bogdan Cheptanariu's conviction underlines a significant gap in the law concerning the protection of sex workers and their ability to hire managers for their safety. Cheptanariu, who started managing sex workers at the request of his friends in 2016, was caught in an anti-human trafficking sting and faced legal repercussions that many argue are unjust.
Initially assisting female sex worker friends who sought his help, Cheptanariu's involvement evolved into a formal business arrangement. As a manager, he provided vital services such as transportation, client liaison, financial management, and advertising. These services ensured the safety and operational efficiency of the women, fulfilling a critical need in an industry fraught with risks.
Despite his contributions, Cheptanariu, 31, from Tabley Street, Liverpool, was arrested during Operation March, a police operation targeting the trafficking of Romanian sex workers in Liverpool, as reported by the Liverpool Echo.
During his court appearance at Liverpool Crown Court on October 13, Cheptanariu pleaded guilty to controlling prostitution for gain. Prosecutor Geoff Whelan presented evidence that Cheptanariu communicated with several known sex workers from August 2016 to September 2020, managing operations initially in Birmingham and Dudley, then expanding to Kidderminster, Nantwich, and finally Liverpool. He also facilitated international travel for some sex workers.
Cheptanariu’s role as a manager involved meeting clients, handling finances, and providing crucial logistical support. In January 2020, he was apprehended while transporting a female sex worker to and from a Nantwich hotel with an undercover police officer.
The court acknowledged that Cheptanariu, with no prior convictions, had not coerced the women into sex work. His involvement began as an effort to help friends in a dangerous profession, highlighting the need for legal mechanisms to protect sex workers and those who assist them.
Judge Stuart Driver, while delivering a 10-month suspended prison sentence and mandating 100 hours of unpaid work, recognized the complexity of the situation. He noted that Cheptanariu's managerial activities spanned a significant time and multiple locations, involving three women. However, he also considered Cheptanariu's previously clean record.
This case underscores the urgent need for legislative change to allow sex workers to legally hire managers for their protection and operational needs. Current laws, which penalize those providing essential support, inadvertently increase the risks faced by sex workers. Reforming these laws would not only enhance the safety and autonomy of sex workers but also ensure that those aiding them, like Cheptanariu, are not unjustly criminalized.