19 arrested under the dismantling of a criminal organization of illegal immigration between Spain and France
The Spanish and French National Police carried out a joint operation that resulted in the dismantling of a criminal network dedicated to human trafficking between the two countries. This police action, supported by Europol, culminated in the arrest of 19 individuals.
The criminal organization operated through a sophisticated system that began in several Spanish railroad stations, especially in Barcelona, Almería and Alicante. In these strategic points, the members of the network identified and contacted irregular migrantsmainly of Maghreb, Sub -Saharan Africa and the Middle East.
The criminal structure had a clear distribution of functions among its members. The recruiters were in charge of Locate irregular people with the intention of moving to France. Subsequently, the drivers were responsible for land transport to Perpignan, charge between 150 and 200 euros per person from Barcelonawith higher rates of more distant places.
To guarantee the success of its operations, the organization Used “sloe” vehicles They advanced to the transport of migrants, warning them about police control posts and indicating safer secondary routes. A notable aspect of its business model was the Resource optimizationsince they also recruited migrants who wanted Return from France To Spain during the return trips.
More than 1,700 migrants introduced clandestinely in almost 500 operations
According to the data provided by Europol, the criminal network caught migrants near the train stations in Catalonia and transported them to the French city of Marseille. The organization worked with a Well defined structureWhere each member had a specific role: recruit migrants, manage transport or provide temporary accommodation.
In the face charged between 150 and 250 euros per migrant, depending on the starting point and the final destination. The researchers documented that between May 2023 and August 2024, the organization carried out more than 500 clandestine operations of introduction of migrants, with about 1700 migrants to France. These activities would have generated a volume Dear business between 250,000 and 427,000 euros.
Research, collaboration and detention
The investigation began when French authorities warned Spain through the Spanish National Police connection officer in France. This transition collaboration has allowed to identify a branch of the organization established in Spanish territory, composed of individuals from different nationalities.
The final operation was carried out in a coordinated manner in both countries, with 19 Simultaneous home searches: 14 in France and 5 in the Spanish cities of Barcelona and La Junquera. During these searches, police forces confiscated a motor boat, money, stunned substances and relevant documentation for investigation.
The result of this joint operation was the Detention of 19 people: 15 in France and 4 in Spain, distributed by the provinces of Barcelona (2), Girona (1) and Cordova (1). All detainees were placed in pretrial detention while they continued investigation into their criminal activities related to the promotion of illegal immigration.
