DETECTIVES who arrested a pimp on the run for 102 days said human trafficking was probably still going on in Oxford.

Anastassios Papas, formerly of Iffley Road, Oxford, trafficked women to become prostitutes serving clients in the city via an agency called ‘Fun Girls in Oxford’, alongside Graham Cochrane, 49, of Bicester.

The pair were convicted at Oxford Crown Court in November, but Papas – who also uses the name Mark White – failed to appear for two court hearings and has been on the run since November 22.

Yesterday, the 42-year-old was arrested at an address in Staines, Middlesex. The pair can now be sentenced. Both are expected to be jailed.

Acting Det Ch Insp Simon Morton, who led the investigation, said: “I am really pleased we have managed to catch him because it is imperative that people like this do not escape justice.

“The team has worked tirelessly to track him down. This is the end of a two-year investigation but the start of a campaign to raise awareness and stop modern slavery.

“I would be naive to say it was not still going on in Oxford and if there is any indication that it is, we will stop it immediately.

“This is a significant case, it is the first of its type in Oxford. We are still working hard to identify those we believe are still involved in Eastern Europe.”

Papas’ picture appeared on Crimewatch on Monday, prompting several calls, although Mr Morton said it was old fashioned police work which led officers to Papas.

He said: “For people considering going on the run, it is not the answer. We will find you.” A 53-year-old Oxford client, who cannot be named, sparked the inquiry by calling police.

He said: “This is a weight off my mind. He should never have been given bail.

“The police can draw a line under it now, I am pleased he has been arrested. What they were doing was wrong.”

Since the conviction, police, campaigners from Oxford Community Against Trafficking and other agencies have vowed to stamp out the problem in Oxfordshire.

Papas was convicted of trafficking women within the UK for sexual exploitation, conspiracy to traffic women within the UK for sexual exploitation and controlling prostitution for gain and converting £67,075 of criminal property.

Cochrane was convicted of conspiracy to traffic women within the UK for sexual exploitation and traffiking women into the UK for sexual exploitation.

Many of the women were trafficked from Eastern Europe Anyone with information about trafficking should call police on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.