Mircea Marian Cumpanasoiu

A Romanian gang led by Mircea Marian Cumpanasoiu has been convicted and sentenced for the ruthless exploitation of vulnerable women in brothels across Dundee, Scotland. The group, which included four other members, was found guilty following a six-week trial at the High Court in Glasgow in January 2025. The offences, uncovered during a police investigation launched in 2021 targeting suspected human traffickers in the Tayside area, involved plying women with drugs, sexual coercion, rape, and forcing them into prostitution.

Cumpanasoiu, also known as 'Mario' and described in court as a 'smirking, winking pimp', was the central figure in the operation. The 38-year-old was found guilty of 15 charges, including running brothels, and had earlier pleaded guilty to three additional offences: attempting to pervert the course of justice, knowingly living off the earnings of prostitution, and possession of a knife. Prosecutors detailed how he supplied drugs to multiple women and raped them, using coercion to control and exploit them for financial gain. The offences occurred at various locations in Dundee, including properties on Bright Street, Gellatly Street, and Perth Road.

• The trial involved testimony from 10 victims, highlighting the severe trauma inflicted by the gang.
• Cumpanasoiu received an extended sentence of 20 years in custody followed by four years of supervision upon release.
• All five gang members, including Cumpanasoiu, were added to the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Fiona Kirkby, Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offences, stated: 'This gang ruthlessly exploited vulnerable women for their own gain, without any regard for the suffering and trauma they caused.' The conviction was supported by a trauma-informed approach from specialist prosecutors, with victims commended for their courage in speaking out. Detective Chief Inspector Scott Carswell of Police Scotland emphasised the ongoing commitment to targeting such criminals, noting that victims are often vulnerable and may not realise they are being exploited until identified through community concerns or support agencies.

The case underscores the international nature of the operation, with some co-accused fleeing abroad before being extradited back to Scotland. Cumpanasoiu and his associates' actions represent a grave breach of human rights, with the judiciary ensuring lengthy custodial terms to protect the public and deter similar crimes.