On October 1, 2021, a UK court found one person guilty of trafficking for their exploitation of a 19-year-old Romanian woman who was trafficked to the UK. This is the third person convicted in the case after two others were found guilty for trafficking last summer.
Antonia* traveled willingly after being promised work in a factory, but upon arrival in the UK she was forced into sex work. She endured extreme physical violence for eight months until she arranged her own escape through an opportunity to call her family in Romania who notified authorities.
Antonia was removed from exploitation by the London Metropolitan Police, and the traffickers were eventually traced and arrested. Antonia returned to Romania, supported by International Justice Mission and partners Bahkita House and Salvation Army to get home safely and receive necessary services.
IJM worked closely with local ANITP and DIICOT authorities in Romania to further support case development and ensure that Antonia was protected and supported as she testified at the trial. Learn more about IJM's work in Romania.
The IJM Romania social worker who supported Antonia said upon hearing the court’s decision,
“Thanks to Antonia’s courage and bravery, the world is safer today.”
*A pseudonym
Learn more about where IJM's works to tackle slavery and trafficking.