Ioan Mihai

Ioan Mihai, 31, from Coombe Hill Park in north Belfast, appeared at Belfast Crown Court charged with facilitating human trafficking for sexual exploitation as part of an alleged ring involving six Romanian women. The Romanian national denied all accusations during an arraignment hearing, joining two co-defendants in contesting the serious allegations.

Mihai faces charges of human trafficking for sexual exploitation, brothel keeping, and controlling prostitution for gain, alongside acquiring, possessing, and transferring criminal property in cash. Uniquely among the trio, he is also accused of obtaining sexual services from another person in exchange for payment, directly linking him to the exploitative activities.

The hearing on June 13, 2025, saw Mihai enter not guilty pleas, as reported by Belfast Live. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) investigation revealed a coordinated effort to run brothels and profit from the women's forced labour in the sex trade. Court details indicate the victims were subjected to control and coercion, with the operation spanning multiple locations in Northern Ireland.

This case is part of wider anti-trafficking initiatives, highlighting the challenges in prosecuting international crime networks. With a trial pending, the outcome will depend on the strength of PSNI evidence, including witness testimonies from the affected women. The proceedings aim to deliver justice and disrupt such exploitative practices in the community.