Rapist jailed for attacks on London sex workers using fake police badge and gun

A “predatory” rapist who used a fake police badge and gun to threaten his sex worker victims with deportation has been put behind bars for 14 years.

Pawel Pazola, 51, was jailed for raping two sex workers, both from Brazil, after arranging their services through an online escorting website.

Pazola, of Regents Close, Crawley, was jailed for two counts of rape, a robbery, impersonating a police officer and possessing an imitation firearm while he committed rape.

He met the first victim, a woman in her 20s, on Friday, August 7, 2020 at a property in Camden where he forced her to engage in sexual acts that went beyond their agreement.

She spoke to the charity Rahab UK the next day, who helped her to report it to the police.

Via a WhatsApp group for Brazilian sex workers in the UK, she became aware of a later very similar attack on another woman, who she then encouraged to report it to the police.

Pazola met his second victim, also a woman in her 20s, on Saturday, August 22, in a flat in Westminster, where he again forced her to engage in sexual acts she had not consented to.

During both rapes Pazola claimed to be a police officer and threatened to deport the victims.

He produced a fake police badge and an imitation firearm during the second attack, took back the cash he initially paid the victims and stole additional money from the second victim.

Detectives from the serious sexual offences squad arrested Pazola on Sunday, August 30.

Officers seized a fake police badge, a black replica handgun and £1,380 in cash after searching his home and car.

He appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court and was remanded in custody until trial.

Pazola was sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court on Friday, November 5, and will be on the sex offenders register for life.

He was found guilty of all charges after a two-week trial, and will also remain on licence for a further four years following his release.

The victims, who returned to Brazil prior to the trial, gave evidence in court via video link.

Det Sgt Sam Lockstone, from the Met, said: “Pazola is a highly dangerous predator who sought to take advantage of the victims for his own gratification and monetary gain.

“I would like to praise them for showing such bravery and courage throughout this investigation and during the trial.

“I hope this sentence demonstrates our commitment to tackling crimes against sex workers, and violence against women and girls in whatever form it may take.”

A Rahab UK spokesperson said: "The survivor faced multiple barriers in disclosing the crimes committed against her - fear of stigma, prejudice and whether she’d be believed; mistrust in authority figures; a language barrier and concern over her immigration status.

“Our role as an independent sexual violence adviser was to provide practical, confidential and compassionate support to help her overcome those barriers.

“She was able to find a way through difficulties and uncertainty and pursue criminal justice.

“Both women showed remarkable courage and resilience to report.”

A Met Police spokesperson said: “If you have been a victim of sexual assault or rape, or you have information about an offender, contact police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

“There are specially trained officers who will listen and investigate where needed.”

To contact Rahab UK, a charity offering free, confidential support to anyone involved in prostition or who has experienced sexual exploitation, visit: https://www.rahabuk.com/