Costel Tambac

Costel Tambac and his partner Mariana Iova were sentenced at Leeds Crown Court for their involvement in a modern slavery operation that trafficked vulnerable women from Romania to the United Kingdom. The pair exploited these women by holding them against their will in the Harehills and Holbeck areas of Leeds, subjecting them to threats of violence and rape to coerce them into working as sex workers. The victims were forced to sleep with up to eight men per day, enduring horrific conditions as part of the couple's criminal enterprise.

The court heard details of how Tambac and Iova orchestrated the trafficking, bringing the women to the UK under false pretences and then controlling every aspect of their lives. According to reports from the Yorkshire Evening Post, the operation was uncovered through investigations by West Yorkshire Police, who gathered evidence of the women's exploitation. Tambac, who played a leading role in the threats and enforcement, received a sentence of nine years' imprisonment. Both defendants were also issued with slavery and trafficking prevention orders to restrict their future activities.

This case highlights the severe impact of human trafficking networks in urban areas like Leeds, where vulnerable individuals are targeted for sexual exploitation. The sentencing took place in the week of 9th November 2025, as part of a roundup of criminals locked up at Leeds Crown Court.