Convicted sex trafficker tried using a false identity to re-enter the country.

Man Jailed for Six Years After Illegally Re-Entering UK

Ion Rudacan, also known as Ion Paun, was sentenced to six years in prison for multiple offenses related to his illegal re-entry into the UK and breaching a Deportation Order.

Rudacan, a 36-year-old Romanian national, had previously been convicted in November 2021 as part of Operation Elba, an operation by Greater Manchester Police targeting the trafficking of women for sex work in the north west.

He was sentenced to two years and three months in prison and issued a Deportation Order. After being deported on January 27, 2022, Rudacan attempted to re-enter the UK on multiple occasions, using a false identity and forged documents.

Despite being apprehended and removed from the UK on several occasions, he managed to re-enter the country illegally in July 2023, hiring a car in Brighton under a false name.

On September 4, 2023, officers from Sussex Police's Tactical Firearms Unit stopped Rudacan's vehicle during a routine patrol in Marine Parade, Brighton. They discovered his true identity and arrested him.

At Lewes Crown Court on October 10, 2023, Rudacan pleaded guilty to three counts of breaching a Slavery and Trafficking Prevention Order, breaching a Deportation Order, three further attempted breaches of the Deportation Order, and seeking and obtaining leave to enter or remain in the UK via deceptive means.

He was sentenced to six years in prison.

Inspector Oliver Fisher from the Tactical Firearms Unit praised the proactive efforts of his officers in apprehending Rudacan.

"Our officers were out on patrol and conducted a check on the vehicle, which Rudacan had hired under a false identity. Thanks to the proactive stop, these offences by Rudacan were brought to light," said Inspector Fisher.

Detective Inspector Tony Platten from Greater Manchester Police's Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Lead highlighted the persistent efforts of law enforcement in pursuing offenders like Rudacan.

"He has shown a blatant disregard once again to the orders imposed on him after serving a custodial sentence. The most recent result was where we have provided colleagues over in Sussex with the support they needed through gathering evidence as well as helping to locate, arrest and prosecute him further," said Detective Inspector Platten.

Tony Hilton, Assistant Director for the Home Office Criminal and Financial Investigation unit, emphasized the gravity of Rudacan's actions and the need to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.

"This is a highly deceptive individual who has repeatedly tried to breach our borders and exploit vulnerable people," said Tony Hilton.