A prolific sex trafficker who ran a brothel in Tower Hamlets has been charged with multiple offences.

Roland Cankaj, 43, of Western Gateway, Tower Hamlets, appeared at Croydon Crown Court on October 23 where he was found guilty of human trafficking.

He was arrested on April 20, 2024, at London Stansted Airport and was charged with:

• Two counts of arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view of exploitation
• Fraud by false representation 
• Possession of a controlled article for use in fraud

The Metropolitan Police’s modern slavery team launched an investigation into the ‘Cankaj Brotherhood’, an organised crime network, in 2022 with intelligence leading to Brazilian women being trafficked into the UK to be sexually exploited.

The investigation showed Canjak renting an apartment in Tower Hamlets under a false passport and officers observed him waiting outside after driving young women to various addresses.

He was also seen to be in the company of young women, taking provocative pictures of them outside London landmarks which were used to advertise sexual services. 

A brothel run by Canjak in Tower Hamlets was uncovered with rooms sparsely furnished and containing items associated with sex work. 

The Met worked in conjunction with Justice & Care, a modern slavery charity, to support victims. In an interview, one victim explained that she worked as a beautician in Brazil and spoke to Cankaj about money. 

He arranged for her to come to the UK and moved her between various addresses to have sex with men she didn’t know, sometimes 10 to 15 a day, before taking half the money.

Detective Sergeant Andy Owen, who led the investigation, said: “Cankaj tricked these women into a false sense of security, making them believe that this exploitation was a way of them gaining financial freedom. 

“In fact, he was the one financially benefitting, making a career out of orchestrating prostitution with vulnerable victims.

“The Met are dedicated to protecting vulnerable people – we rely on information from our communities to continue tackling exploitation and modern slavery in London. 

“If you’re suspicious about possible exploitation in your area, or you’re concerned about someone who may be a victim, please contact us.”

Julie Currie, Victim Navigator Programme Coordinator at Justice & Care, who supported one of the victims said: “We are proud to support the survivor to bring her trafficker to justice, and commend her bravery in supporting this case. 

“Every member of the public can help us stop this crime by learning the signs of modern slavery and reporting concerns to police.”

More information on advice and spotting signs of exploitation can be found here.