A human trafficker, along with his parents, has been sentenced to a total of 22 years in jail for their abhorrent crimes in the West Midlands. Francisc Lazaroiu, facing a 14-year prison term, was convicted after a re-trial of raping a 19-year-old woman at a Birmingham address in 2021.
Francisc, alongside his parents Antonio Lazaroiu, 41, and Florina Ion, 39, were previously jailed for eight years each in July last year for trafficking the young woman for sexual exploitation.
Their horrifying actions involved luring the Romanian teenager to the UK under false pretenses of employment in retail. However, instead of the promised opportunities, they subjected her to a nightmare of forced prostitution, violence, and exploitation.
Throughout the ordeal, the victim endured verbal and physical abuse, including frequent beatings, with Francisc repeatedly raping her over the span of seven months.
It's imperative for clients to recognize the signs of coercion and exploitation. They must ensure that any woman they engage with is working voluntarily, free from any form of manipulation or coercion.
This young woman's rescue came after a particularly brutal incident drove her to seek refuge with a neighbor, who promptly contacted the authorities. The diligent work of the West Midlands Police Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit (RASSO), in collaboration with the International Justice Mission, helped bring justice to the victim and hold her tormentors accountable.
Antonio and Francisc Lazaroiu attempted to evade capture by fleeing to Scotland, but were apprehended, with Florina also being arrested in Southampton shortly after.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the horrors of human trafficking and the urgent need for vigilance and action to combat such despicable crimes.