MUSTAPHA KADIU FROM HARLESDEN SENT TO PRISON FOR SEX SLAVERY IN LONDON

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community, Mustapha Kadiu, a 32-year-old man from Harlesden in northwest London, has been sentenced to ten years in prison for his involvement in a brutal sex trafficking operation. The court heard how Kadiu, an Albanian asylum seeker, orchestrated the illegal importation of a 15-year-old Romanian girl into Britain under false pretenses, promising her a fresh start away from the horrors of her past.

Instead, she was subjected to a regime of violence, exploitation, and sexual abuse. The young girl, who had been passed from one pimp to another across various European countries, believed she was coming to London to begin a new life free from the shackles of forced prostitution. However, upon her arrival, Kadiu betrayed her trust completely. Using false documentation to bring her into the country, he quickly established control over her, subjecting her to relentless abuse and forcing her into a life of prostitution that often lasted up to 20 hours each day.

The court was told that Kadiu, who was found guilty of one count of rape, two counts of indecent assault, and two counts of living off the earnings of prostitution—both from the girl and from the income generated by his cousin’s wife—had a firm grip on her life. The teenager was made to work in a series of brothels, with her working schedule stretching from early morning until late at night. She would often not finish her shifts until 7 a.m., handing over earnings that could reach up to £500, before sleeping for only a few hours and then returning to work at 11 a.m.

On one occasion, when she questioned Kadiu’s authority, he responded with violence, threatening her with a knife and physically assaulting her. Her suffering was described as 'dreadful' by the court, and it was only after months of increasing desperation that a sympathetic brothel maid managed to help her escape. She then reported her ordeal to the police, bringing her torment to an end.

Judge James Wadsworth QC addressed Kadiu directly, emphasizing the severity of his crimes. He stated that it was 'very plain' that Kadiu had involved himself 'in the very bottom end of life and the most unpleasant of crimes.' The judge highlighted that the young girl’s suffering was entirely a consequence of Kadiu’s domination and exploitation. He condemned Kadiu’s greed, which had driven him to prey on vulnerable young women, and made it clear that the sentence was intended to serve as a warning to others involved in similar criminal activities in London.

Furthermore, Judge Wadsworth ordered that upon his release, Kadiu must register as a sex offender for life. He also recommended to the Home Office that Kadiu be deported once his prison term concludes, given his involvement in such heinous crimes. In the courtroom, alongside Kadiu was his cousin, Edmond Ethemi, aged 21, also of Furness Road. Ethemi was sentenced to six and a half years for possessing cocaine with intent to supply and for living off the immoral earnings of his wife. Like Kadiu, Ethemi was also recommended for deportation after serving his sentence, underscoring the seriousness with which the court viewed their criminal conduct.