Human trafficking and prostitution ring who operated in Preston due to appear in court

Police made an arrest after a raid at a property in Castleton Road, Deepdale Pic: Google

A sex trafficking ring operating across Preston as well as other Lancashire towns and cities have been charged.

Raids across Blackburn, Burnley and in Preston has seen eight people charged in connection with running the Romanian trafficking ring.

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An investigation by Lancashire Constabulary’s east exploitation team called Operation Brixton had been tracking the group.

It’s alleged the group were involved in operating and controlling the prostitution of women across Lancashire and beyond.

Among those charged is Marius Serban, 38, Castleton Road, Deepdale, Preston. He is charged with human trafficking and controlling prostitution.

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Five men and one woman were charged with the same offence as Serban:

Razvan Zidaru, 30, Douglas Place, Blackburn
Valentina Cretu, 30, Douglas Place, Blakburn
Valentin Ghelase, 35, Feilden Street, Blackburn
Mihaela Barbieru, 31, Feilden Street, Blackburn
Valentine Carman, 38, Oakenhurst Road, Blackburn
Stefan Ion, 32, Wensley Road, Blackburn

And Tahir Maqsood, 50, Newcastle Street, Blackburn is charged with allowing premises to be used as a brothel.

A spokesperson for the police said: “Lancashire Constabulary is committed to investigating human trafficking and modern slavery and taking robust action against those willing to exploit others for financial gain.”

The seven men and one woman are due to appear before Preston Crown Court for trial in December this year.

Police say if you think that someone is in immediate danger call 999, if you suspect slavery is happening and there is no immediate threat to life then contact police on 101.