The leader of a notorious Romanian grooming gang in Dundee was reportedly offered £1,500 to return to his home country while he was still in prison awaiting trial for multiple rapes.
Marian Cumpanasoiu, 38, orchestrated a network that groomed, drugged, and sexually exploited vulnerable women, forcing some into prostitution and humiliating “sex games.”
How the Gang Operated
Between 2021 and 2022, Cumpanasoiu and four associates targeted women aged 16 to 30, luring them with gifts, alcohol, and drugs.
Victims were pressured into sexual activity and sometimes pimped out to paying clients.
Some were local to Dundee, while others were trafficked from Eastern Europe.
Police described the victims as highly vulnerable, often struggling with personal issues, and exploited through promises of money or attention.
The Controversial Voluntary Return Offer
Despite the severity of his crimes, Cumpanasoiu was handed a “voluntary return form” in August 2024 while in custody.
This scheme encourages foreign nationals to leave the UK in exchange for a payment.
Cumpanasoiu reportedly expressed interest, but the plan was later blocked.
Following his conviction, he received a 24-year extended sentence for sexual and trafficking offences.
Adding another twist, Cumpanasoiu’s right to remain in the UK had been automatically extended under the EU Settlement Scheme, though it has now been revoked in preparation for his deportation after completing his prison term.
Public Outcry and Survivor Concerns
Rape Crisis Scotland expressed alarm at the Home Office’s involvement prior to trial.
A spokesperson said: “Survivors must have faith in the criminal justice process and its ability to hold perpetrators accountable.
This incident raises questions about why the Home Office intervened in active criminal proceedings.”
Sentencing of Cumpanasoiu and Associates
Cumpanasoiu was jailed alongside four others: Christian Urlateanu, 41; Alexandra Bugonea, 35; Remus Stan, 35; and Cataline Dobre, 45.
Judge Lord Scott highlighted the gang’s manipulation of vulnerable young women over a 15-month period.
The court heard harrowing testimony of drugging, sexual assault, and coercion.
Bugonea, who hosted “sex parties,” claimed the events were consensual and that she was unaware of the exploitation.
Other gang members were convicted of multiple rapes, brothel keeping, and trafficking offences.
Victims recounted being drugged, coerced, and subjected to repeated sexual assault, some by multiple perpetrators.
A Pattern Across the UK
This case is part of a broader trend of grooming gang prosecutions in the UK.
Recent trials include Romanian and Albanian men in Gateshead, convicted of rapes of teenagers, and a Rochdale gang sentenced to 174 years for sexually exploiting schoolgirls.
Next Steps: Deportation
The Home Office confirmed that Cumpanasoiu will serve his full sentence and be considered for deportation at the earliest opportunity.
A deportation order will automatically revoke his pre-settled status, ensuring he cannot remain in the UK.
Justice for Survivors
Judge Lord Scott emphasized the severity of the crimes and the calculated exploitation of vulnerable women.
He underscored the importance of accountability and protection for victims, noting that the gang’s actions caused profound harm over an extended period.
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