The online advertisement offering work to Hungarians looked promising. The chance to live in a rich country in one of the greatest cities in the world—a capital city, no less—would prove irresistible to someone struggling to survive. Which is precisely what the advertisement was designed to do—draw in the desperate, particularly if they happened to be young, attractive, and female. So when a chance to leave becomes available, the decision is often an easy one to make.
The young women seeing these advertisements likely figured they had nothing to lose. Their airfares to the UK would be paid for, their workplace and housing arranged. Moving to a foreign country is never simple or straightforward, especially for those of little means.
Having someone there who can pave the way and make things easier, to provide support and encouragement, definitely sweetened the deal. London was calling, and they were eager to answer! Thirty-two-year-old Ivett Szuda and Karl Ring thirty-four seemed like just a regular married couple.
Ivett was originally from Hungary. Karl, her British husband, was a special constable with the London Metropolitan Police, a voluntary and unpaid position. Like many young couples, they wanted the good things in life. But to afford the luxury lifestyle to which they aspired, they needed money— lots of money. So this aspirational pair came up with a business plan. Whereas most people without a lot of educational or professional qualifications might opt for a more traditional route, perhaps opening a small business such as a corner shop or even a chippy, Ivett and Karl had something far more entrepreneurial in mind.
Nor did serving up late-night greasy chips to drunken patrons who staggered in after the pubs had shut. First, they needed the right location—a location where they could attract the kind of clientele they wanted. Provided perks include maid service, bed linens and towels, a telephone switchboard, a concierge and porter, and so forth. The website proudly states that the building caters to travelers looking for hotel living with the privacy of an apartment.
