Five convicted following dedicated investigation into exploitation and trafficking in Dundee

Four men and one woman have been convicted following an extensive investigation into sexual exploitation, human trafficking and the supply of drugs in Dundee.

Marian Cumpanasoiu, 37, Remus Stan, 34, Catalan Dobre, 44, Cristian Urlateanu, 41, and Alexandra Bugonea, 34, were convicted of a number of offences at the High Court in Glasgow on Thursday, 9 January, 2025.

They are due to be sentenced at a later date.

The five were arrested and charged as part of Operation Recloir, which was launched in late 2021 to target a gang of suspected human traffickers in the Tayside area.

In addition to enforcement action by a dedicated team of detectives, officers undertook significant partnership work to provide victims with access to agencies who could provide suitable support for their needs. This work remains ongoing to ensure their welfare and long-term safeguarding.

Detective Inspector Scott Carswell said: “I’d like to thank our numerous partners for their assistance with our enquiries and their valuable support for all the victims identified throughout the investigation.

“Trafficking and exploitation is a blight on our communities and has no place in Scotland.

“We will continue target criminals who abuse, control and exploit people, working with partners nationally and internationally to bring offenders to justice, and to raise public awareness to help identify victims and ensure they get the support they need.

“Victims are often vulnerable, they may be trapped with limited freedom or options, and sometimes they may not realise that they are in fact victims. They seldom contact police directly and quite often come to our attention either through a support agency or when someone from a local community makes a phone call and raises a concern. That call can be the first step in freeing someone from slavery and exploitation.

“If you have concerns that someone is a potential victim, or any information, please report this to police on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, so we can investigate and take action.”