Alexandra Bugonea

Alexandra Bugonea, a 35-year-old Romanian woman, was sentenced as part of a gang that ruthlessly exploited vulnerable females through brothels and sexual violence in Dundee. The conviction followed a January 2025 trial at the High Court in Glasgow, where Bugonea and four male co-accused were held accountable for offences investigated by Police Scotland since 2021. The trial, lasting six weeks, centred on 10 victims and exposed the group's use of drugs for control and coercion into prostitution.

Bugonea, who lived with co-accused Cristian Urlateanu, was found guilty of five charges, including raping the same woman on various occasions alongside Urlateanu at their flat on Bright Street. She also provided drugs to multiple women, facilitating their exploitation. After the arrests of other members, Bugonea fled to Belgium but was extradited to face trial. The offences were committed at Dundee sites such as Bright Street, Gellatly Street, and Perth Road.

• Bugonea received an eight-year custodial sentence.
• She was added to the sex offenders register indefinitely.
• Her actions contributed to the gang's pattern of sexual coercion and trafficking.

Procurator Fiscal Fiona Kirkby commented: 'For two years, our specialist sexual offences prosecutors worked tirelessly to identify all offending committed and supported the women throughout the process using a trauma-informed approach.' Detective Chief Inspector Scott Carswell of Police Scotland urged vigilance: 'Anyone with concerns is urged to call police on 101.' The victims' courage, backed by support from charities, was pivotal to the successful prosecution.

Bugonea's involvement demonstrates the diverse roles within such criminal networks, with the judiciary's response emphasising the gravity of the sexual offences and the need for extended supervision to safeguard society.