George Filip, 45, and his wife Ionela Filip, 35, led an organised crime group based in Newport that trafficked 16 women from countries including Romania and France into the UK. The women were part of a prostitution ring operating across the UK, from Cwmbran to Inverness. On Friday, Cardiff Crown Court sentenced the group to a combined 30 years, ten years after the criminal enterprise began.
How the Network Operated
George Filip organised the transport of victims to UK airports and across the country. Ionela Filip managed and directed victims once they were in the UK, took sexual photographs of the women and posted them on websites advertising them for sex. Leonard Banica, 41, prostituted one woman and introduced several sex workers to George. Alexandru Moco, 27, Ionela's younger brother, took sex workers to appointments and banked cash for his sister and brother-in-law. The group advertised on online platforms, managed profiles, received messages from customers and controlled bank accounts. George received over £190,000 and Ionela over £200,000, most of which was sent to offshore accounts.
How the Operation Was Uncovered
In 2020, residents of Bishpool View in Newport became suspicious that a property was being used as a brothel. One neighbour kept a log of people coming and going and reported it to Gwent Police. On 22 January 2020, warrants were executed at Bishpool View and Conway Croft, leading to arrests. Ionela Filip was not present and left for Romania. The other three were released on bail but also left the UK; they were later arrested after police enquiries in Romania and Cyprus.
Sentencing and Police Response
Judge Vanessa Francis said: "This was a substantial and sophisticated criminal enterprise which operated for seven years across England, Wales and Scotland." George Filip was sentenced to eight years and two months; Ionela Filip to three years suspended for three years; Moco to 15 months; and Banica to three years and nine months. Moco and Banica were recommended for deportation. Detective Superintendent Robin Fuller of Gwent Police said: "This was a complex investigation that involved meticulous enquiries, evidence gathering and partnership working in an effort to prosecute this group of people."
