Jail terms for gang members who trafficked and exploited women

Husband and wife Sebastian Zimoch, 48, and Anna Zimoch, 46, of Romford, along with Gregaor Borowka, 44, from Harrow, Michael Lozinski, 52, of Hayes, and Rafal Lacki, 41, of Harlow, were convicted at Isleworth Crown Court in March of this year of conspiracy to arrange or facilitate human trafficking and conspiracy to control prostitution for gain between January 1 2015 and February 9 of last year.

Lozinski alone was also convicted of a second count of controlling prostitution for gain between January 1 2017 and February 9 of last year, in relation to a massage parlour business called Massage Bunnies.

The trafficking gang was run by Sebastian Zimoch, with his wife running it during a period when he was absent. The husband began the business, known as Golden Kiss, in 2015.

The court heard that the gang ran at least five brothels, with locations in Acton, Ealing, Paddington, White City, and Dudden Hill.

Sebastian Zimoch. Credit: Met Police

Brothels in Paddington and Dudden Hill were run directly by the Zimochs, while Lozinski ran White City. The other locations were run by the three of them at different times.

Gareth Munday, prosecuting, told the court that the women had no autonomy while inside the brothels.

Mr Munday said that £232,000 in unexplained earnings had been found in a bank account belonging to Mr Zimoch.

Lacki and Borowka were two of the main drivers for the business, ferrying girls to outcalls around London. Borowka also doubled as a receptionist.

The prosecutor told the court that women were exposed to the risk of serious physical and psychological harm on these outcalls.

The court heard from the victim impact statement of one 19-year-old woman who reported the gang to the police.

Mr Munday paused to wipe away tears as he read the statement to the court. In the statement, the woman told of the emotional toll of what had been done to her.

She said that she cries when she remembers what has happened to her. The woman added that she now struggles to trust men.

In her sentencing remarks, Judge Fiona Barrie paid tribute to the 19-year-old victim.

She said: “She has shown herself to be a very brave young woman."

Police at an address in Romford in connection with the investigation. Credit: Met Police

Acting Detective Inspector Esther Richardson, from central specialist crime, said: “I am pleased we have been able to uncover the true scale of this illegal operation.

“My team worked tirelessly to identify and safeguard hundreds of other women across London who were being exploited by this organised criminal group.”

Sebastian Zimoch was jailed for eight years with his wife Anna given a suspended two-year jail sentence and ordered to do 150 hours of unpaid work.

Lozinski received seven years in prison, Borowka was jailed for three years and nine months, and Lacki was jailed for 18 months.

Lacki was released on licence as he had already served nine months by the time of the sentencing.