THE figurehead of an organised crime gang who trafficked Polish women into the UK for prostitution has been jailed.

Krzysztof Henryk Jakubiak was jailed for a total of three-and-a-half years during a hearing at Warrington Crown Court today, Friday, December 11.

Jakubiak, 49, who was living at an address in Nantwich, had previously pleaded guilty to 36 offences relating to human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

He was also handed an indefinite control order – the first to be issued in the UK under new legislation regarding human trafficking – which will place considerable restrictions on him once he is released from prison.

His accomplice, Marlena Soska, 37, was given an 18 month community order. She had previously pleaded guilty to seven offences relating to human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

Jakubiak and Soska were involved in running a number of brothels across the UK using a website to advertise the services of prostitutes, who were under their control in return for financial reward.

Detective Inspector David Browne from Cheshire Police, said: “Human trafficking and sexual exploitation stems from organised crime and targets some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

“People may be shocked to hear that this sort of thing has taken place in Cheshire but this case highlights the fact that human trafficking and sexual exploitation can happen anywhere – even in the most unexpected of places.

“No-one really knows what goes on behind closed doors.”

The pair were responsible for arranging the transportation of Polish women in and out of the UK as well as moving them around various brothels under the control of the gang.

The enterprise is believed to have been operating for at least two years – and police claim could have had a potential gross turnover of over £1 million.

Rachael Barber, Senior Crown prosecutor of Mersey-Cheshire Crown Prosecution Service, said Jakubiak and his ‘partner in crime’ Soska, operated a ‘sophisticated business’.

She said: “Following a thorough investigation by Cheshire Police, their operation was uncovered and quickly closed down.

“The Crown Prosecution Service will support the Police in robustly prosecuting these cases where women are trafficked into the UK for the purpose of sexual exploitation.”

Jakubiak and Soska, who was living at a property in Crewe, were arrested on Wednesday, May 20 following raids in Nantwich, Crewe, London, Stoke, Preston and Bristol

Eight women were found inside the properties.

They were taken from the addresses and spoken to by specially trained officers before being offered advice and support via a number of different agencies.

The operation, led by Cheshire Police, involved a number of different agencies and other police forces across the UK.

These included The Met, Avon and Somerset Police, Staffordshire Police and Lancashire Police along with the National Crime Agency. More than 100 officers were involved in the strike phase.

Cheshire Police also worked closely alongside Mersey-Cheshire Crown Prosecution Service in relation to this case.

Police became aware of Jakubiak following intelligence from the local community.

Officers began building up intelligence surrounding the gang, which uncovered a web of brothels across the country.

Detectives continued to build evidence in the case and this resulted in the strike phase back in May.

Detective Inspector Browne, who led on the operation, said: “This type of crime is not something that we can deal with in isolation and it is important that we continue to work together with other forces across the UK – and further afield – to disrupt the networks behind this criminal behaviour and ensure that anyone suspected of being involved is dealt with.

“It is also important that anyone who is a victim – or is at risk of becoming a future victim – is identified and offered the necessary support and safeguarding.

“As this case has highlighted information from the local community is vital in tacking this type of crime.”

Anyone who has any concerns or any information are urged to speak to call Cheshire Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555111.