Help us catch these 'human traffickers': Crimestoppers calls on Evening Standard readers to help trace suspects

Crimestoppers today calls on Evening Standard readers to help them catch some of the country’s most wanted human traffickers.

In the wake of the Evening Standard and Independent special investigation into modern slavery, the crime-fighting charity is stepping up the fight against the scourge, and launching a “How to Spot The Signs” campaign today.

The Metropolitan police are seeking information about Mihai Negrescu, in connection with allegations of human trafficking for sexual exploitation.

It is alleged that he recruited a female in Romania in July last year and offered her work in the UK catering industry. While in the UK, she was allegedly raped by Negrescu and then forced to work as a prostitute for his financial gain, being held at two addresses in south-east London before she escaped and reported it to the police.

Negrescu is described as slim, aged between 25 and 30, with dark cropped hair, and is thought to have links to Romania, Italy and Germany.

​Crimestoppers director of operations Roger Critchell said: “Modern slavery is a hidden harm. People are reluctant to come forward and talk about it, either because they think that it’s acceptable or because they’re afraid of organised crime … It’s vital that we raise awareness and get into hard-to-reach areas. That’s where the Evening Standard and Independent investigation can be a big help.”

Crimestoppers are also appealing for information relating to Sarwar Mohammed Amhar, who allegedly kidnapped a 16-year-old boy, trafficked illegally into the UK, and held him against his will in Hastings. Amhar is described as a large male, aged 30 to 35, with a scar on his left arm.

Mr Critchell said that with modern slavery “we need everyone to know what to look for, and see the harm it brings. That gives us a better chance. Things will start to open up and we’ll see more reporting.”

If you have information relating to the suspects, or any other cases of modern slavery, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 1111 or see crimestoppers-uk.org