Eight defendants were sentenced at Harrow Crown Court by HHJ Dean on Thursday 24th of October 2019, following a 6-week trial for controlling prostitution and being concerned in the supply of cocaine.
The defendants involved were part of an Organised Crime Group (OCG) who made millions of pounds through the exploitation of women in brothels across north London. They were sentenced to a total of almost 40 years. The OCG operated a sophisticated network of brothels through which they sold drugs and controlled prostitutes, generating in excess of £1 million a year.
Detectives identified a senior level of management within the OCG who exercised control over all the brothels. They enjoyed lavish lifestyles and spent the proceeds made from the exploitation of sex workers on luxury holidays, vehicles and jewellery. The case was investigated by the Met Police specialist Modern Slavery and Kidnap Team and centred around a number of brothels operating in North West London
“This lengthy and complex investigation has dismantled an Organised Crime Group who were exploiting women across London for their own financial gain.
“Through thorough examination of their devices, detectives found the group saw themselves as a legitimate business which they went to extreme lengths to protect. They employed and armed security guards, and maintained control over all communication between their so-called employees.
Individuals often are reticent or too afraid to come forward in modern slavery investigations, so it is our job to build a prosecution and dismantle OCGs like this with whatever evidence we can... "
Detective Inspector Dan Mitchell from the Central Specialist Crime Unit.
Kevin Dent QC, leading Aska Fujita of 5 Kings Bench Walk, was instructed by the Crown Prosecution Service Complex Casework Division.
Kevin is a highly persuasive advocate with a calm, measured, yet robust courtroom manner. Kevin took silk in 2019, building upon his heavyweight practice in the fields of financial crime and serious crime.
The case was also reported in the Daily Mail and you can read the article here.
