Three men have been sentenced to a total of 26 years in prison following a major Thames Valley Police crackdown in Milton Keynes. The trio were convicted of drug supply, prostitution rackets, and human exploitation.
The offenders are:
Catalin Lupau, 34, Arncliffe Drive, Milton Keynes – 9 years
Bogdan Stoican, 31, Willow Way, Potters Bar – 8 years
George Pandele, 27, Swasedale Road, Luton – 9 years
All three appeared at Amersham Crown Court on 11 November 2025, following jury convictions on 24 October for conspiracy to control prostitution for gain, conspiracy to facilitate human trafficking, supply of Class A drugs, and managing a brothel.
Year-Long Investigation Leads to Major Closure
Police launched the investigation in October 2024 into a block of flats on Milburn Avenue, which was used to traffic drugs and exploit women forced into prostitution. The men ran the operation to generate large sums of cash.
On 2 April 2025, officers executed warrants at two addresses, arresting the trio. Repeated complaints from neighbours led to the largest closure order in Thames Valley history, restricting access to the 24-flat building to emergency workers and authorised personnel.
Police and Community Efforts Praised
Detective Sergeant James Faithfull said: “This result follows a complex investigation. Lupau, Stoican, and Pandele will now face the consequences of their actions. We safeguarded 18 women and improved residents’ lives by shutting down this notorious block.”
He added: “This closure demonstrates how police, community, and council working together can drive out criminality causing misery. Residents should continue to report antisocial behaviour – call 101 or report online, and always call 999 in an emergency.”
