Maciej Kozlowski

Maciej Kozlowski, aged 52 from Gloucester, was the ringleader of an organised crime group prosecuted by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) South West Complex Casework Unit for human trafficking and rape. The group exploited vulnerable women, primarily from Poland, by trafficking at least 20 of them into the UK over a two-year period to work in a network of brothels located in towns including Gloucester, Cheltenham, Swindon, Bridgwater, Kettering, Coventry, Nottingham, Worcester, and Wales. One victim's profile was active in up to seven different locations, highlighting the group's strategy to maximise profitability by moving the women around the country.

Kozlowski, who operated under various aliases, directed the operation with the assistance of accomplices. Evidence presented by prosecutors included records of the group's movements between airports and brothels, thousands of messages arranging client appointments, photographs used in online adverts for the sex workers, messages reporting cash collected from the victims, and even receipts from shopping trips for items such as bedding, wet wipes, condoms, and mobile phone top-ups. This comprehensive evidence, gathered in joint work with the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU), proved the group's systematic exploitation of the women, treating them as commodities.

In addition to trafficking, Kozlowski was convicted of raping a woman whom the group later exploited in their brothels. The assault was part of his efforts to recruit her into the operation. Andrew Pritchard, Specialist Prosecutor for CPS South West’s Complex Casework Unit, stated: “Kozlowski, the leader of the group, was prepared to rape one of the victims he had targeted. The seriousness of these defendants’ criminal actions is reflected in the sentences passed by the court today.” Detective Superintendent Charlotte Tucker, who led the SWROCU investigation, added: “They showed total contempt for the women they exploited, with Kozlowski even raping one victim in a bid to recruit her to work for his group. She, and other victims, have described the long-term harm they have suffered.”

The sentencing took place on 2 February 2024, following guilty pleas from the group. Kozlowski received 14 years' imprisonment, underscoring the gravity of the offences involving sexual exploitation and violence.