A woman accused of involvement in alleged sex trafficking and modern slavery crimes has appeared in court.
Ana Maria Stefan, 29, faces three charges. Two of these allege the arranging or facilitating travel of two different females with a view to each being exploited. These charges have been brought under the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
A third alleges prostitution for gain with Stefan alleges to have intentionally controlled the activities of other persons relating to their prostitution in any part of the world. The charge further alleges that Stefan did so for, or in expectation of gain, for herself and/or a third person.
It is alleged that offences were committed between January 1 2020, and September 15 2021.
Stefan, of Woodrouffe Terrace, Carlisle, appeared at the city’s crown court today.
During a 15-minute hearing she spoke with the assistance of an interpreter to confirm her identity and to enter pleas of not guilty to each of the three charges when they were read to her by a court clerk.
A trial in front of a jury — with a provisional time estimate of around five days — was listed to start at the crown court on June 19.
Stefan was told she must attend a court hearing before then, on March 9. In the meantime she was granted bail on the same terms set during a previous magistrates’ court hearing.
These are that she must surrender her passport; not leave the UK; she cannot purchase travel tickets that would allow any person to enter or exit the UK; and must reside at her current address.
