A Romanian woman who pretended to be an escort has admitted her role in the deaths of two businessmen and the poisoning of two others in a calculated robbery scheme that spanned several years.
The case, which shocked investigators across multiple police forces, revealed a pattern in which wealthy men were allegedly targeted, drugged, and robbed after arranging meetings they believed would involve sexual services.
Adina Mihai, 31, and her partner, Madalin Dumitru, 30, entered guilty pleas at Oxford Crown Court to two counts of manslaughter and two counts of administering poison with intent to injure.
The admissions came after detectives uncovered evidence linking the pair to a series of incidents involving the use of gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), a substance often associated with drug-facilitated crimes.
First Victim Was Wealthy Property Magnate
One of the men who lost his life was Malcolm King, an 83-year-old businessman and internationally known big-game hunter.
King lived in a luxury six-bedroom property near Cirencester in the Cotswolds and was reportedly worth millions.
According to investigators, Mihai gained access to his home in August 2024 after presenting herself as an escort.
Police believe King unknowingly consumed wine that had been laced with GBL.
After he became incapacitated, valuable possessions, including a Rolex watch, were allegedly taken before Mihai and Dumitru left the property.
King was discovered dead by relatives the following day. Because he suffered from existing heart-related health issues, authorities initially believed his death had occurred from natural causes.
Second Death Revealed a Disturbing Pattern
The investigation took a dramatic turn nearly a year later when another businessman died under remarkably similar circumstances.
Gary Mouat, 37, who operated one of Oxfordshire’s largest glazing companies, was found dead at his Banbury home on July 13, 2025.
Investigators determined that he had also been given GBL before his death.
The similarities between the two cases prompted detectives to re-examine King’s death, ultimately leading them to conclude that both men had been victims of the same criminal operation.
Two Other Men Survived Similar Attacks
Authorities say the scheme did not end with the two fatalities.
On the same day Mouat died, Mihai allegedly met another man who later regained consciousness and discovered his watch had been stolen.
Just over a week later, a fourth victim reportedly awoke to find several belongings missing from his home after meeting her.
Police believe both men survived after receiving non-fatal doses of the drug.
The incidents provided investigators with additional evidence that the suspects were repeatedly targeting men for theft after rendering them unconscious.
Arrest Came After Final Planned Meeting
The pair’s criminal activities came to an end on July 30, 2025, when Mihai arranged another meeting with a man who had contacted her through an escort advertisement on the website Vivastreet.
As Mihai and Dumitru were leaving the man’s property, police stopped their vehicle in the early hours of the morning.
Both were arrested on suspicion of murder and conspiracy to steal.
Detectives allege that Mihai would enter victims’ homes while Dumitru waited nearby.
Once the victims had been incapacitated, the pair would steal jewellery, watches, cash, and other valuables before fleeing.
How Investigators Believe the Pair Chose Their Targets
Evidence presented during the investigation suggested that Mihai was selective about the men she agreed to meet.
Police said she focused on individuals who appeared financially comfortable and often required prospective clients to display large amounts of cash during video calls before agreeing to visit them.
Victims reportedly paid approximately £170 per hour, believing they were arranging legitimate escort services.
Investigators say the real objective was theft rather than providing any sexual services.
Concerns Over Potential Additional Victims
Detectives believe the couple may have targeted many more men than those identified in court.
Information about the pair was circulated to police forces around the country as investigators explored whether they could be connected to other unexplained deaths or robberies involving drugs.
While no additional cases have been formally linked to them, officers suspect some victims may never have reported incidents due to embarrassment.
The couple had legally entered the United Kingdom in 2023 and are believed to have operated their scheme for an extended period before being caught.
Big-Game Hunter Had International Reputation
King was widely known in hunting circles and had accumulated numerous awards through international safari organizations.
He appeared repeatedly on recognition lists for hunters who had completed major hunting challenges involving Africa’s so-called “Big Five” animals: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo.
As a director of a property management business based in the British Virgin Islands and a member of Safari Club International, he had built a reputation within the global hunting community.
His Cotswolds home reportedly housed an extensive collection of hunting trophies gathered during years of international travel.
Judge Warns of Lengthy Prison Sentences
Following the guilty pleas, Mrs Justice Brunner warned both defendants that they should expect substantial prison terms when they return to court for sentencing next month.
The admissions spared families from a lengthy trial, but the court heard that the consequences of the pair’s actions were devastating for the victims and their loved ones.
Police Praise Joint Investigation
Senior officers involved in the case described the investigation as one of the most demanding they had handled.
Detective Inspector Michael Roddy of Thames Valley Police said the inquiry required extensive cooperation between specialist teams and partner agencies.
He noted that the offenders used drugs to incapacitate men seeking sexual services before stealing from them, and said the investigation had finally delivered answers for the family of Gary Mouat.
Detective Inspector Adam Stacey of Gloucestershire Constabulary described the offenders’ actions as callous and calculated.
He said overwhelming evidence gathered by investigators left the pair with little option but to admit their crimes.
Both police forces said their thoughts remain with the families of Malcolm King and Gary Mouat as they continue to deal with the consequences of the tragic events.
