Record details
Alexandru Oprea, 34, remains wanted by Essex Police nearly five months after being sentenced in his absence for rape and other offences.
The Romanian national from Leicester was convicted in April at Chelmsford Crown Court of rape, two counts of sexual assault, indecent exposure, putting a person in fear of violence by harassment, and importing a weapon. He was cleared of assault by penetration and controlling or coercive behaviour.
On 19 June he was sentenced to 11 years and 10 months – eight years and 10 months in custody followed by three years on extended licence. He was also placed on the sex offenders register and made subject to a restraining order. The offences involved a woman in Essex in 2023.
Oprea had been released on court bail but failed to attend his trial and has since disappeared. Essex Police have confirmed he is still wanted and that work to locate him remains ongoing.
Detective Constable Zoe Waddup, who investigated the case, previously said officers were working “tirelessly” to find him and ensure he serves his sentence. She appealed directly to Oprea to contact police and hand himself in, adding: “Our work to find him will not stop.”
The victim said she had waited three years for the case to reach that point and was praying for Oprea to be found as soon as possible.
Anyone with information about his whereabouts should contact Essex Police, quoting reference 42/MR/23938/23, via the force website, its 24-hour Live Chat service, or by calling 101.
