Six jailed for controlling prostitution after threatened woman escapes brothel
Six people have been jailed for nearly 25 years between them for control prostitution after a woman escaped a brothel she was being forced to work at.
The three men and three women operated at addresses in Smethwick and advertised on escort websites offering women for the purpose of sexual activity for money.
Their operation came to light when one woman who was forced to work for them managed to escape in January 2021 and reported what had happened to her to police.
She had been brought from Romania under false pretences in three months earlier at the age of 18.
She was first taken to a house in Arden Road and later another house in Parkes Street, which was being run as a brothel.
The woman, who was subjected to threats, violence and coercion, was made to work 16-18 hours a day, with the majority of her ‘earnings’ going to the group who controlled her.
After she contacted police, an investigation was launched and suspects were identified from social media.
