SIX men and a woman have appeared before Blackburn Magistrates charged with charged in connection with human trafficking and inciting prostitution.
The seven were arrested after police raids in four counties following investigation of widespread exploitation of Romanian women who have been forced into prostitution.
Maria Badulescu, 33, of Harcourt Street, Luton, Andrei Alin Carabet, 27, of Manchester Road, Preston, Catalin Eugen Mihalescu, 43, of Wadeson Road, Manchester, Mihai Nicolescu, 33, of Freehold Street, Northampton, Valentin Tinica Poiana, 40, of Manchester Road, Preston, Florin Rusescu, 44, of Harcourt Street, Luton, and Ionel Sandu, 32, of Carlton Road, Blackburn, are all charged with arranging or facilitating the travel of a person with a view to her being exploited and causing prostitution for gain.
Rusescu and Poiana are also charged with possessing a taser electrical incapacitation device.
All seven were sent in custody to Preston Crown Court where they will appear on January 4.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article