An international police operation, spearheaded by Spanish authorities, has dismantled a large criminal network responsible for trafficking migrants, drugs, and weapons across the Western Mediterranean. The operation, coordinated with the European Union police agency Europol, led to the arrest of 78 individuals and the seizure of significant assets.
Spanish authorities described the network as one of the largest criminal organizations specializing in maritime human trafficking in the Mediterranean. The group allegedly arranged storage, transport, refueling, maritime transfers, vessel maintenance, and counter-surveillance services for other smuggling operations. Investigators believe the network is responsible for at least 64 smuggling operations, through which over 2,000 migrants were allegedly transported into Spain, generating profits exceeding 24 million euros.
The arrests were the result of an intensified enforcement day on June 16, which saw 77 individuals apprehended in Spain and one in Algeria. Seized during the operation were 18 motorboats, including high-speed vessels, along with illicit drugs, satellite phones, a handgun, and more than 25,000 euros in cash.
Network Operations and Methods
The dismantled network operated a two-way smuggling route between Algeria and Spain. It transported drugs to Algeria and used cramming migrant-filled boats for the return journey to Spanish coastal towns. Four of the alleged leaders of the network were among those arrested. The Civil Guard stated that the network employed extremely violent methods to protect its vessels and resist law enforcement.
Europol noted that the network utilized a fleet of boats including "ghost speedboats," vessels designed to avoid registration and detection, which are prohibited in Spain. Investigators also suspect that those involved in the migrant smuggling perpetrated sexual assaults, physical abuse, and subjected migrants to inhumane conditions in makeshift housing.
The operation involved law enforcement from Spain's Civil Guard and National Police, with support and coordination from French, Polish, and Portuguese authorities, as well as Europol. Spanish authorities launched the investigation in 2023.