The police carried out 25 searches in Romania and Italy, dismantling a human trafficking network that sexually exploited over 30 victims, obtaining 1.7 million euros.

Police and prosecutors from Romania and Italy conducted 25 searches to dismantle a criminal group made up of over 30 members from four families, who allegedly sexually exploited over 30 victims, especially in Italy. The group had a pyramid structure, led by older members who coordinated financial and logistical operations. From their criminal activities, the group is believed to have obtained approximately 1.7 million euros, which they converted into real estate and luxury goods to hide the illicit origin.

The victims were recruited using the loverboy method, being presented as trustworthy partners, and the control over them was strict. Group members operated in teams, regardless of their family of origin, and were involved in identifying and recruiting victims. Following the searches, luxury cars, cash, and weapons were confiscated, and 19 individuals were detained for forming an organized criminal group, human trafficking, pimping, and money laundering.