Romanian gang leader sentenced to 25 years for sex trafficking in Manchester
Ionuț-Robert Marghiol received a 25-year prison term in the UK for running a Romanian-run prostitution ring that forced women into sexual slavery.
The Greater Manchester Crown Court found Ionuț-Robert Marghiol guilty of multiple rapes, forced-labour offences and operating a prostitution network that trafficked Romanian women to the United Kingdom. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison and given an indefinite anti-slavery order. Three other members of his group - Denis Vatafu, Nicolae Branovici and his wife Maria Branovici - received combined sentences of 38½ years.
Prosecutors described a pattern of “love-bombing” and violent intimidation, including tattoos used to mark the victims. Two survivors testified, detailing lasting trauma and panic attacks. Detective Abigail Thomas praised their courage, noting their statements were crucial to securing the convictions.
Why it matters
The case highlights the ongoing threat of transnational human-trafficking networks exploiting vulnerable migrants in Europe.
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