A Romanian grooming gang has been jailed for systematically raping and sexually exploiting 10 vulnerable women in Dundee.
Four men and one woman were convicted in January of multiple offences, including rape, human trafficking, and drug supply.
The gang targeted women between June 2021 and September 2022, supplying drugs such as crack cocaine to manipulate victims into sex.
Some victims became addicted, leaving them vulnerable to blackmail and coercion.
Sentences and Legal Consequences
The convicted offenders are Mircea Marian Cumpanasoiu, 38; Remus Stan, 35; Catalin Dobre, 45; Cristian Urlateanu, 41; and Alexandra Bugonea, 35.
All denied wrongdoing but were convicted after a six-week trial at the High Court in Glasgow.
Judge Lord Scott noted that the gang “deflected, minimised, denied and lied” about their offences.
He praised the victims for their bravery in testifying and reclaiming control of their lives.
Drugs and Coercion Used to Control Victims
Cumpanasoiu, the ringleader, was handed a 24-year extended sentence—20 years in prison and four years on licence.
Urlateanu received a 20-year extended sentence, with 18 years in jail and two years on licence.
Stan was sentenced to 12 years, Dobre to 10, and Bugonea to eight years in prison.
Police confirmed the offenders are likely to be deported after completing their sentences.
James Clarry, chief executive of Justice and Care, said the victims were deliberately chosen for their vulnerabilities.
Detective Inspector Scott Carswell described the offenders as “deplorable” for supplying drugs and coercing sexual activity.
Many victims initially believed they were in relationships with the gang members.
Operation Recloir uncovered sexual exploitation, prostitution, trafficking and drug supply in the Tayside area.
Some offenders fled abroad but were extradited to Scotland for trial.
Cumpanasoiu, aka “Mario,” was convicted of 15 charges, including running brothels, rape, and drug supply.
Urlateanu faced nine convictions, including rape, assault, and supplying cocaine.
Dobre was convicted of gang rape, attempted rape, sexual coercion, and sexual assault.
Bugonea faced five convictions, including rape, sexual assault by penetration, and drug supply.
Stan was found guilty of trafficking a woman into prostitution and multiple counts of rape, including alongside Cumpanasoiu.
Victims were lured to flats, given unlimited drugs and alcohol, and coerced into sexual acts via games like spin the bottle.
Several victims were repeatedly gang-raped, sometimes by more than one offender at a time.
Drug-Fuelled Coercion and Sexual Exploitation
Lord Scott said the gang wrongly assumed victims were powerless but were proven wrong by their courage.
All gang members have been placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.
Stan also received a five-year Trafficking and Exploitation Prevention Order (TEPO).
Prosecutor Fiona Kirkby called the crimes “reprehensible” and praised victims for speaking out.
Charity organisations and justice partners played a crucial role in supporting victims and ensuring convictions.
The sentencing aims to prevent other women from being exploited in the future.
