Menu
29/06/2016
Pair Jailed After Admitting Human Trafficking And Prostitution Offences
A man and woman from Romania have been sentenced to two years in prison after admitting human trafficking and prostitution offences.
Ionut Ille, aged 34, and Ancuta Schwarz, aged 30, were detained three years ago as part of a joint investigation with Swedish police.
Ille was arrested in Romania and Schwarz was arrested in Belfast. They were taken to Sweden where they received custodial sentences and fines. After those sentences had been served, they were extradited to Northern Ireland earlier this year.
They pleaded guilty to charges of human trafficking, controlling prostitution and money laundering.
Detective Chief Inspector Douglas Grant, from Serious Crime Branch, said: "This was a joint operation, codenamed Burgrave, involving the Police Service of Northern Ireland and Swedish police which investigated the activities of an Organised Crime Group suspected of involvement in controlling prostitution and human trafficking in Northern Ireland and Sweden.
"This operation has been made possible through a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) agreement between the UK and Sweden. Eurojust, the EU agency set up to promote co-ordination between member states in relation to serious and organised crime, partly funded the operation. The operation was assisted and supported by Europol. PSNI and Swedish police liaised with law enforcement authorities in Romania.
"Officers carried out an arrest and search operation in Belfast in April 2013 as a result of which 13 trafficking victims were rescued.
"Working with law enforcement colleagues in various parts of Europe, we believe we have halted the activities of an organised crime gang involved in controlling prostitution and human trafficking in Northern Ireland, Sweden and Romania."
(CD)
Ionut Ille, aged 34, and Ancuta Schwarz, aged 30, were detained three years ago as part of a joint investigation with Swedish police.
Ille was arrested in Romania and Schwarz was arrested in Belfast. They were taken to Sweden where they received custodial sentences and fines. After those sentences had been served, they were extradited to Northern Ireland earlier this year.
They pleaded guilty to charges of human trafficking, controlling prostitution and money laundering.
Detective Chief Inspector Douglas Grant, from Serious Crime Branch, said: "This was a joint operation, codenamed Burgrave, involving the Police Service of Northern Ireland and Swedish police which investigated the activities of an Organised Crime Group suspected of involvement in controlling prostitution and human trafficking in Northern Ireland and Sweden.
"This operation has been made possible through a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) agreement between the UK and Sweden. Eurojust, the EU agency set up to promote co-ordination between member states in relation to serious and organised crime, partly funded the operation. The operation was assisted and supported by Europol. PSNI and Swedish police liaised with law enforcement authorities in Romania.
"Officers carried out an arrest and search operation in Belfast in April 2013 as a result of which 13 trafficking victims were rescued.
"Working with law enforcement colleagues in various parts of Europe, we believe we have halted the activities of an organised crime gang involved in controlling prostitution and human trafficking in Northern Ireland, Sweden and Romania."
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 July 2022
Martin Heaney Jailed For Five Years
A 59-year-old man has been jailed for five years for a range of offences including human trafficking, controlling prostitution, and voyeurism. At Laganside Crown Court today, Wednesday 20 July, Martin Heaney was sentenced to five years imprisonment. A Sex Trafficking Prevention Order (STPO) was also issued and will be in place for 7 years.
Martin Heaney Jailed For Five Years
A 59-year-old man has been jailed for five years for a range of offences including human trafficking, controlling prostitution, and voyeurism. At Laganside Crown Court today, Wednesday 20 July, Martin Heaney was sentenced to five years imprisonment. A Sex Trafficking Prevention Order (STPO) was also issued and will be in place for 7 years.
06 March 2024
Man Arrested For Headbutting Female Police Officer
A 22-year-old man has been arrested in Newry for assaulting a police officer. While responding to a domestic related report, a local female officer was headbutted to the head, which caused swelling and bruising. The officer was seen by medical staff and her injuries were not more serious and she felt well enough to remain on duty.
Man Arrested For Headbutting Female Police Officer
A 22-year-old man has been arrested in Newry for assaulting a police officer. While responding to a domestic related report, a local female officer was headbutted to the head, which caused swelling and bruising. The officer was seen by medical staff and her injuries were not more serious and she felt well enough to remain on duty.
18 May 2017
Two Charged In Connection With Human Trafficking
Two people have been charged after a 29-year-old woman was rescued by the PSNI's Human Trafficking Unit in Co Tyrone. Officers carried out searches after concerns were raised about a woman's safety in Dungannon. A 32-year-old man has been charged with rape, human trafficking, controlling prostitution and kidnapping.
Two Charged In Connection With Human Trafficking
Two people have been charged after a 29-year-old woman was rescued by the PSNI's Human Trafficking Unit in Co Tyrone. Officers carried out searches after concerns were raised about a woman's safety in Dungannon. A 32-year-old man has been charged with rape, human trafficking, controlling prostitution and kidnapping.
03 September 2010
Suspected Brothels Raided In Belfast
Police have raided a number of properties in Belfast that are suspected of being used as brothels. According to reports, a small number of people have been arrested and a number of people, believed to be victims of human trafficking, have been rescued.
Suspected Brothels Raided In Belfast
Police have raided a number of properties in Belfast that are suspected of being used as brothels. According to reports, a small number of people have been arrested and a number of people, believed to be victims of human trafficking, have been rescued.
07 March 2024
Terrorism Threat Level Reduced To 'SUBSTANTIAL'
The threat of a terrorist attack in Northern Ireland has been lowered from 'SEVERE' to 'SUBSTANTIAL' by UK Security Service, MI5. This means that the threat of terrorism has gone from 'Highly likely' to 'likely'.
Terrorism Threat Level Reduced To 'SUBSTANTIAL'
The threat of a terrorist attack in Northern Ireland has been lowered from 'SEVERE' to 'SUBSTANTIAL' by UK Security Service, MI5. This means that the threat of terrorism has gone from 'Highly likely' to 'likely'.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:There will be a mixture of bright intervals and a few showers. Best of the sunny spells will be near the North Coast. Feeling on the cool side. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:Showers will gradually die out during the evening. A cold night with long clear spells leading to a touch of frost in places. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
