In 2026, the Offender Database reported that three members of an organised criminal enterprise were jailed at Leeds Crown Court for trafficking women into the UK and forcing them into sex work. The sentencing on Friday, 23 January 2026, followed a ten-year investigation by West Yorkshire Police into offences dating back to 2015 and 2016.
The investigation, prompted by an anonymous letter from a victim in July 2016, identified 14 victims aged 17 to 31. Michniewicz and Timoszek lured vulnerable women from Poland with false promises of legitimate work in childcare, bars, or shops. Once in the UK, the women were housed in Willow Avenue, Burley, Leeds, and told they had to enter sex work to repay “debts.”
Exploitation and Financial Gain
Victims were forced to work up to 20 hours a day at massage parlours, including Winstons in Leeds and Diplomat Massage Ltd in Sheffield. A police raid in September 2016 at the Willow Avenue address recovered:
- Cash: Approximately £160,000 in cash.
- Ledgers: Handwritten records mapping the victims’ “debts.”
- Evidence: Mobile phones and large amounts of transfer receipts showing money sent overseas.
- Luxury Vehicles: A Porsche Panamera, a Porsche Carrera, and an Audi R8.
Sentences and Convictions
For their roles in the exploitation of 14 women in West and South Yorkshire, the following individuals were sentenced:
- Wieslaw Michniewicz, 53: Sentenced to 15 years in prison. He acted as the principal organiser and lured victims via false promises.
- Aleksandra Timoszek, 32: Received a 7.5-year jail term. She was a principal organiser who assisted in housing victims and in controlling them.
- Mariusz Seretny, 45: Sentenced to 5 years in prison. He organised travel, online advertisements, and money transfers.
- Marta Seretny, 41: Handed a 12-month community order and ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid work for her supporting role in the victims’ prostitution.
Michniewicz and Timoszek initially fled the UK before charges were filed in 2023, but were eventually traced, extradited, and remanded in custody for their trial.
Monitoring and Public Protection
The survivors were safeguarded by police and partner agencies following the 2016 raids. Detective Superintendent Helen Steele stated that the victims were “relentlessly exploited and treated purely as commodities.” Upon completion of their custodial terms, the offenders will be subject to supervision. West Yorkshire Police state that modern slavery is often “hidden in plain sight” and urge the public to report any suspicions of exploitation.
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.