A couple from Bolton who trafficked women to the UK for the purpose of sexual exploitation were sentenced to 13 years in prison today.
Attila Angyal, 43, and Melinda Petrovics, 35, residents of Fortune Street in Bolton, were participants in an organised crime syndicate that victimised four Hungarian women.
In March 2022, detectives from NWROCU initiated an inquiry prompted by concerns expressed by Lancashire Police after a harm reduction visit. At a location on Mincing Lane in Blackburn, a woman identified herself as a sex worker and presented cops with a classified advertisement for her sexual services on an adult website via her mobile phone.
Investigators uncovered a syndicate of brothels in Bolton, Blackburn, Preston, Oldham, and Birmingham. Four Hungarian women, formerly exploited through prostitution and compensated only a portion of their earnings, have now been protected.
Attila Angyal and Melinda Petrovics were apprehended and admitted guilt to conspiracy for human trafficking by sexual exploitation and conspiracy to exploit prostitution for profit.
They appeared at Bolton Crown Court today (Tuesday, December 17) when Attila Angyal was sentenced to seven years and seven months, while Melinda Petrovics was sentenced to six years and four months.
Attila Angyal has previously been convicted for a string of offences including:
- 42 months imprisonment for Human Trafficking and money laundering offences in the Netherlands in March 2012
- 1 year, 3 months’ imprisonment for fraud offences in Hungary in August 2005.
A third person, Mohamed Maravia, 45, of Romford Road, Preston received an 18 month suspended sentence for two years for participating in the criminal activities of an organised crime group. He was also ordered to pay a £500 pound contribution to the court costs.
Detective Sergeant Jamie Illingworth from the NWROCU said:
“This investigation involved a number of partner organisations including Greater Manchester Police, Lancashire Constabulary, West Midlands Police, TOEX, Bolton Social Services, Hope for Justice, and Black Country Women’s Aid, working together to ensure the victims were safeguarded and that the full scale of the crimes Attila Angyal and Melinda Petrovics had committed could be proved.
“The dedication and tenacity of the investigative team ably supported by CPS Mr Richardson and barrister Ms Alnaes, meant in the face of the overwhelming weight of evidence Attila Angyal and Melinda Petrovics had no option but to admit their actions in court.
“I’d like to recognise the bravery and co-operation of the victims in this case, who have been instrumental in securing this conviction here today.
“The NWROCU is committed to tackling exploitation of all kinds and today’s sentences are the culmination of the hard work and dedication of our officers and partners who continue to work proactively to put an end to modern slavery.”
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.