When luxury cars and expensive holidays mask something far more sinister, the truth can shock even the most seasoned investigators.
In Leeds, a Polish couple’s glittering lifestyle turned out to be funded by the most appalling exploitation.
Wieslaw Michniewicz, 53, and his wife, Aleksandra Timoszek, 32, spent years forcing vulnerable young women into prostitution, all while living a life of luxury.
Lured With False Promises
The couple targeted European girls, primarily from Poland, promising them legitimate jobs as bar staff, shop assistants, or childminders in the UK. But the reality was devastating.
Upon arrival, the women were told they owed debts and were coerced into working as prostitutes.
Their youngest victim was just 17, forced into a brothel immediately after her 18th birthday.
Brutal Exploitation Behind Closed Doors
Victims endured up to 20 hours of sexual labor a day, seven days a week.
None of the money they earned went to them; instead, it was handed over to Michniewicz and Timoszek to settle supposed debts.
The couple’s lifestyle was funded entirely by the victims’ suffering, including the purchase of high-end sports cars like a Porsche Panamera, a Porsche Carrera, and an Audi R8.
A Family Network Supporting the Crimes
The operation was bolstered by Michniewicz’s cousin, Mariusz Seretny, 45, and his wife, Marta, 41, who helped manage the victims.
Their network allowed the abuse to continue undetected for years, hiding in plain sight in their Leeds homes.
A Decade-Long Investigation Comes to Light
The law finally caught up with them on September 14, 2016, when West Yorkshire Police executed arrests following a meticulous, decade-long investigation into modern slavery.
During searches, detectives found multiple victims at the couple’s home, stacks of cash, handwritten ledgers documenting victims’ debts, passports, phones, travel bookings, and over 1,000 pages of social media messages in Polish that were translated into English.
CCTV footage revealed the victims being driven around by the couple daily.
International Collaboration for Justice
The investigation included cooperation with Polish authorities and Europol, helping victims return safely to Poland and receive cross-border support.
This joint effort was crucial in securing evidence and supporting survivors after years of trauma.
The Court Case and Convictions
The four conspirators were charged in February 2023, but Michniewicz and Timoszek initially fled the country.
They were eventually extradited back to the UK, and their trial began in November 2025 at Leeds Crown Court. On December 18, 2025, the jury returned unanimous guilty verdicts.
Michniewicz, Timoszek, and Mariusz Seretny received a combined 27.5 years in prison. Michniewicz got 15 years, Timoszek seven-and-a-half years, and Mariusz Seretny five years.
Marta Seretny received a 12-month community order, 80 hours of unpaid work, and five rehabilitation days.
Statements From Law Enforcement
Detective Superintendent Helen Steele spoke about the case, emphasizing the trauma suffered by victims:
“The victims have each suffered harrowing experiences and have been left understandably traumatised by the ordeals they were put through.
We hope it will help them to know those responsible have now been brought to justice.
Modern slavery offences are truly abhorrent, and we remain committed to targeting those involved.
This type of exploitation is often hidden in plain sight, and we urge the public to report any suspicions immediately.”
A Harrowing Reminder
This case highlights how modern slavery can hide behind wealth and apparent success.
While justice has been served, the scars on the victims remain, reminding society that vigilance and awareness are vital to stopping such crimes.
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