Husband and Wife Jailed for Trafficking Hungarian Women for Sex Work in UK

A married couple has received prison sentences for their involvement in trafficking Hungarian women into the United Kingdom for the purpose of sex work. Attila Angyal, aged 43, and Melinda Petrovics, aged 35, both residing on Fortune Street in Bolton, Greater Manchester, were identified by the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit as participants in an organized criminal enterprise that operated a series of brothels. Investigators reported discovering four Hungarian women engaged in sex work within these brothels, which were situated throughout north-west England and Birmingham. These women reportedly received only a small portion of their earnings. The two individuals received their sentences at Bolton Crown Court; Mr. Angyal was sentenced to seven years and seven months in prison, and Ms. Petrovics received a sentence of six years and four months. Both had previously admitted guilt to charges of conspiracy to commit human trafficking involving sexual exploitation and conspiracy to control prostitution for financial benefit. Additionally, the presiding judge issued 10-year Slavery and Trafficking Prevention Orders against the husband and wife. The inquiry was initiated following a visit by Lancashire Police officers to a property in Blackburn, Lancashire, prompted by concerns. During this visit, a woman identified herself as a sex worker and presented an online advertisement for her services to an officer. Detective Sergeant Jamie Illingworth stated: “I’d like to recognise the bravery and co-operation of the victims in this case, who have been instrumental in securing this conviction.” He further noted that the investigation involved several collaborating organizations, including three police forces and various charities, “to ensure the victims were safeguarded and that the full scale of the crimes Angyal and Petrovics had committed could be proved.”