A landlord who found his flat had been turned into a brothel run by a Brazilian crime network is among those featured in a BBC Panorama investigation into organised gangs exploiting the UK’s private rental market.
Craig Shepheard, a property developer, discovered his property was being used by a prostitution ring operated by a network based in Brazil. The BBC’s investigation, titled *There’s a Gangster in My Flat*, also reveals that criminals are using fake identification documents to secure rental agreements.
“Landlord's flat used as brothel by Brazilian crime network, Panorama reveals.”
Panorama reporter Hazel Martin uncovered the extent of the exploitation, which sees gangs target private rental properties for their illicit operations. The documentary airs on BBC One and is available on iPlayer.
The case highlights a growing trend where organised crime groups bypass traditional checks to take over flats and houses, leaving landlords unaware until it is too late.