Three men have been jailed for a combined 13 years after being found guilty of trafficking vulnerable women across Scotland, England and Wales for sexual exploitation.

George Filip, 45, Alexandru Moco, 26, and Leonard Banica, 41, targeted 16 vulnerable women, bringing them into the UK and forcing them into prostitution for financial gain.

A fourth individual, Ionela Filip, 34, was also involved in the organised prostitution network, helping operate several brothels and exploit the women.

The gang attempted to avoid detection by moving their victims between Newport, Birmingham and locations across Scotland.

The investigation was launched in 2020 after police received reports of suspicious activity at properties in Wales.

All four defendants admitted multiple offences and appeared at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday to be sentenced.

George Filip received eight years and two months in prison, while Leonard Banica was jailed for three years and nine months. Alexandru Moco was sentenced to 15 months, and Ionela Filip received a suspended sentence.

Detective Superintendent Robin Fuller, of Gwent Police, described the case as a complex investigation involving extensive enquiries, evidence gathering and international cooperation.

Police carried out warrants at several addresses in Newport in 2020, disrupting the group’s criminal operation and leading to arrests.

During the investigation, George Filip, Leonard Banica and Alexandru Moco fled abroad in an attempt to avoid prosecution. However, officers worked alongside international criminal justice partners to secure their return to face justice.

An examination of the group’s bank accounts revealed that they had been generating significant profits from the illegal operation, which had reportedly been running since 2015.

Although those involved initially denied any wrongdoing, the strength of the evidence gathered by investigators ultimately led them to plead guilty to a number of offences.