Lesbian madam forced talented athlete into prostitution after she trafficked her into Britain and made her work as a high-class escort

• Tatiana Shmyrova, and others, set up business advertising sex workers
• Victim was a talented athlete, duped into sleeping with wealthy clients
• Police smashed the sex ring after launching an undercover sting last year
• Several people involved in the enterprise are facing sentences of jail time

A lesbian madam who forced a talented athlete into prostitution while running a ‘high class’ escort agency serving London’s most upmarket areas is facing jail.

Tatiana Shmyrova, 45, exploited the former record-breaking Bulgarian runner, after she was lured to Britain with the promise of a new life.

Shmyrova’s son, Artyom, convinced the alleged victim to move to the UK after they enjoyed a holiday romance in her homeland.

She was one of a number of girls whose sexual services were enjoyed by wealthy punters including doctors and businessmen, Southwark Crown Court heard.

Russian-born Shmyrova set up a business arrangement with Natalia Cannon, 34, and estranged husband William, 52, to advertise sex workers for sale on their website.

The three were found guilty of all counts of trafficking for sexual exploitation after a four-week trial.

Natalia Cannon, and William Cannon, denied charges of conspiracy to traffic persons into the United Kingdom for sexual exploitation as part of the alleged prostitution ring, but were found guilty by a jury

Natalia Cannon was said to have spent her profits on a lavish lifestyle that included a riverside apartment in Chelsea, designer clothing from Prada, Gucci and Versace, and jewellery and watches from Cartier

Shmyrova, Natalia Cannon and William Cannon, had all denied conspiracy to traffic persons into the United Kingdom for sexual exploitation.

Both Cannons and Michael Poole, of North London, denied conspiracy to control prostitution for gain and Natalia Cannon also denied possessing £13,899.79 in criminal property.

Shymrova’s lover, Irina Bespalova, 32, organised photoshoots of the working girls. The court heard Bespalova was her ‘partner in work and love’.

Crown lawyer Riel Karmy-Jones said they were all part of a ‘ruthless’ sex ring which ran a lucrative business ‘by bartering in human beings and human bodies’.

The prosecutor described Shmyrova as a ‘modern day madam’, adding: ‘She lives her life through prostitution - but organising prostitutes through largely the mechanism of the internet.

‘She was mainly involved in the prostitution network through her work as a photographer, conducting photo shoots with the working girls to supply advertising pictures,’ Ms Karmy-Jones added.

Michael Poole, 28, was hired as a 'fixer' to ensure prostitutes were willing to carry out client demands

A number of others were also involved in the alleged prostitution ring. Michael Poole, 28, was hired by Shmyrova as a ‘fixer’ to ensure that prostitutes were ready and willing to carry out clients’ demands.