British Guests, the Romanian Dundee Brothel Sex Offenders, who sexually exploited vulnerable women by administering narcotics at brothels in Dundee, have been sentenced to imprisonment.
On January 9, 2025, Mircea Marian Cumpanasoiu, Cristian Urlateanu, Remus Stan, Catalin Dobre, and Alexandra Bugonea were convicted after a trial in the High Court in Glasgow.
On 27 October 2025, at the same court, Mircea Marian Cumpanasoiu received a 24-year extended sentence, with 20 years to be served in custody.
Cristian Urlateanu received an 18-year custodial sentence with an additional two-year extended period.
Stan received a 12-year prison sentence, Catalin Dobre a 10-year sentence, and Alexandra Bugonea an 8-year sentence.
All five persons from Romania have been placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.
Stan will be subjected to a Trafficking and Exploitation Prevention Order for five years upon his release from incarceration.
Fiona Kirkby, Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offences, said: “This gang ruthlessly exploited vulnerable women for their own gain, without any regard for the suffering and trauma they caused.
“Cristian Urlateanu, Alexandra Bugonea, and Catalin Dobre’s attempts to escape justice by fleeing abroad failed when police found and returned them to Scotland to await trial.
“For two years, our specialist sexual offences prosecutors worked tirelessly to identify all offending committed and supported the women throughout the process using a trauma-informed approach.
“These were truly reprehensible crimes, and the victims must be commended for their courage in speaking out.
“Thanks to their bravery and the support given to them by charity organisations and justice partners, this prosecution was made possible, ensuring other women and girls are protected from these offenders.
“These crimes have no place in society, and I would urge anyone affected by similar offending to please report your experience. You will be listened to and supported as we seek to secure justice using all the tools at our disposal.”
In 2021, a police investigation named Operation Recloir was initiated to apprehend alleged human traffickers in the Tayside region.
Officers discovered evidence of grave sexual offences, prostitution, and drug distribution and trafficking during their investigations.
The offences occurred at multiple sites in Dundee, including residences on Bright Street, Gellatly Street, and Perth Road.
Following the apprehension of the suspects, Mircea Marian Cumpanasoiu and Remus Stan, their co-defendants, Cristian Urlateanu and Alexandra Bugonea, were identified in Belgium and subsequently extradited.
Catalin Dobre was located in the Czech Republic and extradited to Scotland for a trial that lasted six weeks and involved ten victims.
Mircea Marian Cumpanasoiu, alias ‘Mario’, was convicted on 15 counts, including the operation of brothels.
The 38-year-old provided narcotics to and assaulted many women, in addition to engaging in sexual coercion.
The court was informed that Mircea Marian Cumpanasoiu exploited a vulnerable lady by persuading her that she might earn substantial amounts of money through prostitution.
The brothel-keeper subsequently promoted her services online and transported her to meet clients, retaining a percentage of her income.
In court, he was characterised as a “smirking, winking pimp” who financed his lifestyle and drug addiction through prostitution.
He already entered a guilty plea to three additional charges: attempting to obstruct justice, intentionally profiting from prostitution, and possession of a knife.
Cristian Urlateanu, 41, was convicted on nine counts, including rape, violence, profiting from prostitution, and cocaine distribution.
At the time of the offence, he resided with his lover and co-defendant, Alexandra Bugonea, who was employed as a sex worker.
The court examined how he utilised the funds provided by Bugonea to finance his crack cocaine addiction and cover household expenses.
A victim recounted during the trial that she was enticed to a flat on Bright Street in the city, where she noted the presence of an inexhaustible supply of crack cocaine and whisky.
Games like spin the bottle and truth or dare were frequently played, during which clothes were discarded as Cristian Urlateanu posed sexually explicit questions.
He proceeded to assault the victim in a bedroom violently.
Cristian Urlateanu and Alexandra Bugonea were both convicted of jointly raping the same victim multiple times at the residence on Bright Street.
Remus Stan was convicted on eight counts, including the trafficking of a woman into prostitution alongside his co-defendant, Mircea Marian Cumpanasoiu.
The 35-year-old consistently provided the victim with narcotics and determined the costs she should impose on clients, all while leading her to believe he was her romantic partner.
He was found guilty of raping the victim multiple times, including one event in which he assaulted her with Mircea Marian Cumpanasoiu.
Remus Stan was additionally convicted of sexually assaulting two more women.
Catalin Dobre, 45, also referred to as Luigi, was convicted on five counts, including the gang rape of a woman in conjunction with Cristian Urlateanu and Remus Stan.
He was additionally convicted of attempted rape, sexual coercion, and sexual assault.
Alexandra Bugonea, aged 34, was found guilty on five counts. This encompassed administering medications to numerous women, sexual coercion, rape, and sexual assault involving penetration.
Detective Chief Inspector Scott Carswell of Police Scotland expressed gratitude to our various partners for their cooperation and significant support for all the victims discovered during this challenging investigation.
Police Scotland will persist in targeting criminals who abuse, control, and exploit individuals, collaborating with national and international partners to bring offenders to justice and to enhance public awareness for victim identification and support.
Victims frequently exhibit vulnerability, may find themselves constrained with restricted freedom or choices, and at times, may be unaware of their victimisation. They infrequently engage with the police directly and are typically referred to our notice via a support agency or when a local community member initiates a phone call to express a concern.
“That call may initiate the process of liberating an individual from servitude and exploitation.” If you suspect someone may be a prospective victim or possess relevant information, please report it to the police at 101 or contact Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111, enabling us to investigate and take appropriate action.
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.