Preston men accused of involvement in city sex ring appear in court

A court hearing has taken place for three men who were arrested during a probe into an alleged major sex trafficking ring operating in Preston, Burnley and Blackburn.
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Eight people were charged in connection with a major Lancashire Police investigation code named Operation Brixton which found a group was operating and controlling the prostitution of women across different parts of the county.

Mihaela Barbieru, 32, pleaded not guilty at Preston Crown Court to arranging or facilitating the travel of a person with view to exploitation, and controlling prostitution for gain.

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A pre trial review hearing also took place for Barbieru and co-defendants Marius Serban, 39, of Castleton Road, Preston, and Valentin Ghelase, 35, both of Feilden Street, Blackburn.

All were remanded in custody.

(proceeding)