Five people have been charged after fourteen women were rescued from sexual slavery.

Four men and two women were arrested yesterday (March 30) in an operation to tackle modern slavery offences.

The warrants were carried out in Station Road, Hindes Road and Stirling Road, and one of the addresses were identified as a brothel.

The group was arrested a variety of offences including suspicion of holding a person in slavery, human trafficking, controlling prostitution and money laundering.

Fourteen Romanian women were rescued.

Now all five of those arrested have been remanded in custody to appear at Willesden Magistrates’ Court today (March 31). They are:

  • Maru Stoican, 29, of Station Road, Harrow, who was charged with arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view to exploitation.
  • Elena Dinca, 33, of Station Road, Harrow, who was charged with arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view to exploitation.
  • Stefan Dan Ciobotaru, 38, of Hindes Road, Harrow, who was charged with arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view to exploitation.
  • Cristian Alexandru Costache, 24, of Station Road, Harrow, who was charged with arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view to exploitation.
  • Maria Fana Dragulina, 24, of Station Road, Harrow, who was charged with arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view to exploitation.

A man, aged 29, was also arrested and bailed to a date in late April.

Metropolitan Police says that enquiries are ongoing.