Polish sex slaves gang busted in Met’s biggest crackdown

A gang of Polish brothel bosses are facing years in jail after one of the biggest ever Met Police crackdowns on modern slavery.

Over 300 potential victims of trafficking were identified and 134 women were safeguarded by specialist officers.

Anna Zimoch, 44, her husband Sebastian Zimoch, 48, together with Michal Lozinski, 52, Gregaor Borowka, 44, and Rafal Lacki, 42, were convicted of conspiracy to arrange or facilitate travel of another person with a view of exploitation and conspiracy to control prostitution for gain.

Isleworth Crown Court had heard Lozinski ran five brothels in west London and Zimoch ran two, in Docklands and northwest London.

The Zimochs were part of a network which made a fortune trafficking women from Poland to work as sex workers in London between January 2015 and February 2021.

Lacki was a drivers along with Borowka who also worked as a receptionist for Golden Kiss escort services.

Both Borowka and Lacki were also trusted members of the gang.

One of the victims, aged 19 was trafficked to wealthy Arab clients who paid around £3,000 for her services – while she received just £200, the court heard.

Another woman was refused food by the gang when she refused to perform sexual services with a client.

Sebastian and Anna Zimoch ran Golden Kiss, the court heard.

Detectives rounded up the gang members on the morning of 9 February 2021.

Luke Staton, prosecuting said: ‘This case arises out of an investigation of trafficking and sexual exploitation.’

‘Mr Lozinski would arrange call-outs to various venues for the provision of sexual services.

‘He also played a part in the running of a website that advertises sexual services.

‘There is also evidence that he has paid women to travel from Poland then recruited these women to work at the brothel.’

Acting Detective Inspector Esther Richardson, from Central Specialist Crime, said: ‘I am pleased we have been able to uncover the true scale of this illegal operation.

‘My team worked tirelessly to identify and safeguard hundreds of other women across London who were being exploited by this organised criminal group.

‘Unfortunately, this type of exploitation is still happening across London and the UK.

‘We need help from the public as they have an important role to play in recognising and reporting modern slavery. If you suspect someone may be a victim of modern slavery, report it. You will always be taken seriously and protection and support is available.

‘We believe there are victims of modern slavery in every borough across London and the public may encounter them every day, possibly without realising.

‘As well as being sexually exploited, victims have been found working in construction, domestic servitude, agriculture, cannabis factories and in places you use yourself, such as car washes, barbers and nail bars.

‘Victims are often told the police and authorities in the UK are not to be trusted and with limited English are unable to seek help, even if they want to.’

Anna and Sebastian Zimoch, of Carlton Road, Romford, Borowka, of Yeading Avenue, Harrow; Lozinski, of Berwick Avenue, Hayes and Lacki, of Felmongers, Harlow, Essex, denied but were convicted of conspiracy to arrange or facilitate travel of another person with a view of exploitation and conspiracy to control prostitution for gain after a 10-week trial.

They will be sentenced at the same court on 27 May.