Spanish police, working with Europol, have busted a highly organized criminal network that was transporting migrants from Algeria to Spain and elsewhere in Europe.
- Spanish police and Europol dismantled a major migrant smuggling network operating in Europe.
- The operation, spanning various Spanish locations, led to 14 arrests and extensive seizures.
- The network utilized specialized cells for activities including vessel manufacturing, passage management, and logistics support.
- Migrants paid up to €7,000 for illegal crossings from Algeria to Spain on hazardous boats.
Spain’s Guardia Civil conducted raids on June 17-19 in Almería, Níjar, Tabernas, Espartinas (Seville), and Alicante.
The criminal ring, led by a Moroccan individual, included suspects from Algeria and Morocco living in Spain.
Investigators discovered that the network procured boats and other equipment using significant financial and logistical resources, including the abuse of legal enterprises such as marine trade firms.
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Hawaladars, or informal brokers who enable underground money transactions, were utilized to launder and transport illegal gains.
Authorities conducted searches at eight locations, including six houses and two industrial facilities, resulting in 14 arrests.
The operations resulted in the confiscation of 15 speedboats ranging in length from 7.5 to 8 meters, some of which had engines capable of producing up to 425 horsepower.
Investigators also recovered boat hull molds (8 and 14 meters long), nautical and electronic equipment, over 100 fuel canisters, two weapons, and €68,000 in cash.
An organized criminal network
The smugglers operated as a multi-cell organization with varied functions.
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One cell specialized in the acquisition and manufacture of high-speed vessels and marine equipment, while another was in charge of boat passage from Algeria to the Spanish coast.
Additional branches provided gasoline, food, and communication equipment, while others maintained security at crossings.
Migrants paid up to €7,000 apiece for a one-way passage from Algeria to Spain on homemade, overcrowded boats.
The criminal organization is said to have spent more than €1 million on vessels and equipment to support its operations.
The complex network expanded its activities outside Spain.
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Businesses in France and Spain were used to manage logistics, supply nautical equipment, and conceal illicit cash flows.
Europol played a critical role in providing operational coordination and analytical support.
An expert was sent to Spain to allow real-time data interchange and cross-check operational information against Europol databases, resulting in instant leads for investigators.
Source: Europol
