In 2019, the Offender Database recorded that four members of a Romanian grooming gang were jailed for the systematic sexual exploitation of vulnerable girls in care. On appearing at Manchester Crown Court in August 2019, the group was sentenced for targeting victims as young as 12 between 2016 and 2018. It was reported that the men met the children at Crowcroft Park in Longsight before subjecting them to rape, abduction, and sexual assault at various locations, including a “brothel house” in Levenshulme.
The investigation established the predatory and “heartless” nature of the gang’s conduct. Greater Manchester Police launched an operation after a victim in care alerted authorities in 2018. The prosecution reported that the men specifically targeted children with difficult backgrounds, moving them between cars and properties. One victim was even targeted again at age 14 after being moved away from Manchester for her own safety.
Judicial Findings and Individual Sentences
The court reported that the defendants acted with a sense of sexual entitlement and a complete lack of respect for women. Manchester Crown Court heard that several other perpetrators linked to the group had fled abroad to avoid prosecution. The investigation established the following sentences for the four men:
- Parizian Calin, 20, of Slade Lane, Levenshulme: Convicted of four counts of raping a child under 13, raping a 14-year-old, and arranging child sex offences. Sentenced to 13 years in prison.
- Ilie “Danny” Baltatu, 22, of Manchester: Pleaded guilty to grooming, abduction of a 13-year-old, and sexual assault of a 12-year-old. Sentenced to 8 years in prison.
- Sebastian Baltatu, 18, of Manchester: Found guilty of raping a 12-year-old on a park bench. Sentenced to 3 years in a Young Offenders Institution.
- Adrian Calin, 20, of Reynell Road, Levenshulme: Convicted of inciting a 15-year-old into sexual activity. Sentenced to 1 year in prison.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in England, the status of the offenders is as follows:
- Custodial Sentences: Total of 25 years across the four defendants (Sentenced 2019).
- Sex Offenders Register: All four men are required to register as sex offenders for life or indefinitely.
- SHPO Status: Parizian Calin and Ilie Baltatu are subject to Sexual Harm Prevention Orders for 13 and 10 years respectively.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Manchester Crown Court following a Greater Manchester Police investigation.
- Criminal Record: Multiple counts of rape of a child under 13, abduction, grooming, and incitement.
- Origin: Levenshulme and Longsight, Manchester.
Monitoring and Public Protection
The members of this gang are managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) at the highest level of scrutiny. Due to the nature of their conduct in Manchester, which involved the “immoral” targeting of children in the care system, their management is a maximum priority. Authorities state that their registration and SHPOs are critical tools to ensure they are prohibited from contacting the survivors or loitering near parks and schools.
As members of the Sex Offenders Register, the Baltatu and Calin families must comply with all notification requirements regarding their identity and residence. Authorities state that the calculated and “heartless” nature of the abuse in Levenshulme necessitates permanent vigilance. Any future attempt to approach a minor, access unauthorized social media, or fail to disclose their location to the authorities will result in immediate arrest and a return to the prison system.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.