Anna Stukova

Anna Stukova, a 30-year-old woman from Tunstall in Stoke-on-Trent, was sentenced to 11 years in prison at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on 8 December 2025, following her conviction on multiple serious charges related to modern slavery, sexual assault, and violent offences. The case, uncovered by Staffordshire Police's modern slavery and human trafficking team, revealed a brutal campaign of exploitation that spanned from January 2023 to November 2024.

Stukova's offences included two counts of forcing someone into compulsory labour, where she compelled her victim to steal from shops under constant threats of violence and death. She also committed sexual assault against the victim and threatened them with a blade in public. Additional convictions encompassed multiple assaults, including beatings that caused actual bodily harm, intimidation of witnesses and jurors, theft from the victim and by finding, and burglary to which she pleaded guilty. The victim endured shocking abuse, being brutally beaten, robbed, and forced into sex work to generate cash for Stukova, all while living under a reign of terror involving weapons and death threats.

• Forcing victim into shoplifting under duress
• Sexual assault and physical beatings
• Threats with blades and intimidation tactics
• Theft and burglary to sustain control

The court imposed stringent protective measures alongside the custodial sentence, including an indefinite restraining order, a lifelong requirement to register as a sex offender, and a 15-year slavery and trafficking protection order. Stukova is also banned from entering the areas of Hanley and Cobridge to prevent further harm to the community. Staffordshire Police's dedicated team played a pivotal role in investigating the case and securing the conviction, ensuring the victim's protection throughout the process.

This shocking case highlights the hidden dangers of modern slavery within the UK, with Stukova's actions demonstrating a ruthless exploitation of vulnerability for personal gain. The sentencing serves as a stark warning against such predatory behaviour, as reported by UK News in Pictures.