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Spanish Police Dismantle Major Mediterranean Migrant Smuggling Network
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia /Crime & Justice

Spanish Police Dismantle Major Mediterranean Migrant Smuggling Network

From Asharq Al-Awsat · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Spanish police dismantled a major migrant smuggling network operating across the Mediterranean.
  • The network allegedly used high-speed boats to transport both migrants and synthetic drugs.
  • Authorities arrested 78 individuals and seized 18 boats, with the network suspected of facilitating over 2,000 migrant arrivals and generating millions in profit.

Spanish authorities have dismantled a significant criminal network involved in smuggling migrants across the Mediterranean Sea, arresting 78 individuals and seizing 18 high-speed boats. Police described the operation as targeting one of the largest such networks encountered.

extremely dangerous

— Spanish police statementDescribing the conditions of the migrant sea crossings facilitated by the dismantled network.

The network is accused of using its fleet of fast boats not only to transport migrants to Spain's coast and the island of Ibiza but also to traffic synthetic drugs, including ecstasy. Investigators estimate the group was responsible for at least 64 smuggling operations, bringing more than 2,000 people to Spain and amassing profits exceeding 24 million euros (approximately $28 million).

Described as "extremely dangerous," the sea crossings involved migrants being "crammed together, at high speed, in rough seas." In some instances, passengers were reportedly tied up to prevent them from falling overboard during the perilous journeys. The network charged up to 12,000 euros per person, with some trips carrying as many as 50 migrants.

crammed together, at high speed, in rough seas

— Spanish police statementDetailing the perilous nature of the migrant journeys.

The operation, which involved cooperation with Europol and police forces from France, Portugal, and Poland, led to the arrest of four alleged leaders. The seized high-speed boats are valued at over five million euros. While the Canary Islands remain a primary entry point for irregular migration to Spain, particularly from West Africa, authorities have noted an increase in arrivals along the western Mediterranean route from Algeria.

On some occasions, passengers were even tied up to prevent them from falling into the water during the journey

— Spanish police statementHighlighting the extreme measures and dangers faced by migrants.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Asharq Al-Awsat. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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