Albanian couple forced victim into 'evil trade'

Albanian couple forced victim into 'evil trade'
UK Newsquest Regional Press (This is Local London) - June 15, 2006 Thursday

By: Vikki Thomas

Sutton Guardian - Detectives who investigated an Albanian couple and found they had committed a catalogue of abhorrent crimes against an 18-year-old woman have revealed the pair came to the UK in 1999 from Kosovo and one jumped the border on the back of a lorry.

Blendi Krasniqi arrived in Victoria, central London, seven years ago and was granted political asylum. Investigating officers from Sutton CID also discovered he had previous convictions including drink-driving and threatening behaviour.

Detective Sergeant Tony Eddington, who led the 18-month inquiry, said the victim, who was raised in an orphanage and is now 20, alleges she became so depressed with her life that she barricaded herself in the bathroom but the door was beaten down by Krasniqi.

D Sgt Eddington said the woman was forced to visit up to 40 clients a day or entertain them at the house let to the couple, in Oliver Road, Sutton, .

They were believed to have played equal parts in what the judge who sentenced them described as an "evil trade" and would drive the woman to the clients' homes together, collecting payment in advance and wait to drive her back.

D Sgt Eddington said: "The victim came here in July 2004 and was under the impression she would work as a dancer. She had been bought and sold at least four times, maybe five, before she ended up with Krasniqi and Zeneli. They would drive her around to addresses across south London. She said they made her have two identities, one brunette and one blonde."

The woman became so desperate to escape her tormentors that she walked into a pub and stole a wallet and a mobile phone from a man in a bid to attract attention from the police. This led her to eventual safety and set court proceedings in motion against Krasniqi and Zeneli.

Detective Inspector Martin Wade said: "The conviction and sentences passed are the outcome of a tireless investigation by Sutton CID working with Lithuanian colleagues. Organised crime is international but its evidence and victims are out there on our streets, even in suburban London."

Both defendants have been recommended for deportation after they have served their sentences.

Anyone who has been through a similar ordeal can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.