Three sentenced following Police Scotland Human Trafficking Unit investigation

Police Scotland has welcomed the sentencing of three people in connection with brothel keeping and serious organised crime offences.

Florea Sandu, 53, Florian Pietraru, 41, and Teodora Rotaru, 28, were arrested by specialist officers at a flat in Motherwell in April 2021 as part of an investigation by Police Scotland’s Human Trafficking Unit.

They admitted the charges at the High Court in Glasgow on Friday, 17 November, 2023 and were sentenced on Tuesday, 9 January 2024 at the High Court in Kilmarnock.

Sandu was sentenced to 30 months in prison, Pietraru to 32 months and Rotaru to 30 months.

Detective Inspector Craig Faulds said: “We actively target those who commit serious and organised crime and those who benefit from exploiting others into prostitution. 

“This type of criminality can have long lasting and detrimental effects on people who are exploited whilst those who orchestrate this activity often benefit from the proceeds of this this exploitative abuse.

“This was a very complex investigation and I would like to thank all those involved. I hope this conviction sends a strong message that this kind of human exploitation will not be tolerated.

“Police Scotland is committed to working with partners to pursue those involved in this type of criminality, with a strong focus on safeguarding individuals who may be at risk of exploitation.

“Information from local communities is vital to our efforts and I would continue to urge anyone with information or concerns about exploitation, of any kind, to contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”