The Spanish National Police, with support from Europol, dismantled an organised crime network responsible for smuggling over 1,000 migrants from Algeria to Spain using fast boats. Moreover, the operation, conducted on June 4 and 5, 2024, led to 21 arrests across several Spanish cities.
The police searched nine locations, arresting 13 suspects in Madrid, five in Almeria, and one each in Guipuzcoa, Málaga, and Murcia. Furthermore, the seized items included documents, electronic equipment, and cash. Migrants paid up to €20,000 to be smuggled into the EU.
Smuggling network operations
Investigations revealed that the criminal network smuggled over 1,000 migrants, including more than 750 Syrian nationals and over 250 Algerians. The network facilitated the movement of Syrian nationals along the Lebanon-Egypt-Tunisia/Libya-Algeria route. Upon arrival in Algeria, migrants were temporarily housed before being transported to Spain via fast boats.
Logistics and risks
The criminal network’s operation was coordinated by two main organisers based in Algeria and Spain. The network arranged not only the transport of migrants to Spain but also supplied them with passports and plane tickets for further travel within the EU. Furthermore, the sea crossings were perilous, with migrants travelling in overcrowded boats lacking safety equipment and supplies, alongside fuel canisters.
Unsanitary conditions and financial exploitation
Once in Spain, migrants were moved to Madrid and placed in overcrowded and unsanitary housing while awaiting onward transport. They were charged up to €20,000 for their journey and had to pay at every stage through the hawala underground financial system. The network used spy cameras and hidden microphones to ensure payment collection.
Europol’s role
Europol facilitated information exchange and provided operational coordination and analytical support. On the action day, Europol deployed an analyst to Spain to cross-check operational information against its databases and provide leads to investigators.
Source: Europol