A gang that exploited vulnerable women in Dundee has been convicted following an extensive investigation into sexual exploitation, human trafficking, and drug supply. The High Court in Glasgow on Thursday found five individuals guilty, according to Police Scotland.
The group, which was originally from Romania, targeted women in Dundee by manipulating them with drugs, getting them addicted, and coercing them into sexual activity in exchange for more drugs. The convicted members include Marian Cumpanasoiu, 37; Remus Stan, 34; Calalan Dobre, 44; Cristian Urlanteanu, 41; and Alexandra Bugonea, 34.
The convictions came after a thorough investigation led by Police Scotland as part of Operation Recloir, which began in 2021. Initially, the operation focused on brothels in the city and the suspected trafficking of Romanian women into Scotland. However, the investigation expanded in 2022 when police discovered that the gang was targeting vulnerable local women by grooming them with gifts of free drugs, eventually leading them into sexual exploitation.
Detective Inspector Scott Carswell explained that by offering drugs, the gang created a cycle of addiction in which victims were manipulated into sexual activities to sustain their dependency. This criminal operation had a devastating impact on the affected women, who were provided with continuous support by Police Scotland throughout the investigation to ensure their welfare and long-term safeguarding.
The convicted gang members will be sentenced in due course, but their actions have exposed the grave dangers of human trafficking and exploitation in the Tayside area.
