The Guardia Civil has dismantled an international human trafficking network, rescuing 11 women from forced prostitution in Lanzarote. This operation, named “Guacatal,” led to the arrest of seven individuals in Getafe (Madrid), Elche (Alicante), and Arrecife (Las Palmas), charged with human trafficking for sexual exploitation, belonging to a criminal organisation, and money laundering.
The criminal organisation lured victims, primarily from Colombia, under false promises of a better future in Spain. The group financed their travel and necessary arrangements to transport them to a house in Lanzarote for sexual exploitation.
Upon arrival, the women’s passports were confiscated, and they were coerced into signing contracts for shared room rentals, aiming to evade police inspections. The victims were forced to repay a fabricated debt with high interest rates through continuous sexual services, even when in poor health. Non-compliance resulted in hefty fines, increasing their debt.
Constant surveillance and coercion
The women had no freedom of movement. The criminals constantly monitored them via extensive video surveillance. They forced the women to comply with any client demands, including drug use, and advertised them on various websites through photographic sessions.
Extended investigation
The Guardia Civil, after a year-long investigation, confirmed the existence of this well-organised criminal network operating across Cali (Colombia), Getafe, Elche, and Arrecife. They issued multiple European investigation orders to gather more information on the recruitment and transportation of victims.
During house searches in Getafe, Elche, and Arrecife, authorities seized a handgun, drugs, incriminating documents, and two high-end vehicles used for transporting victims.
International cooperation
A parallel investigation is ongoing with Colombian authorities to apprehend the network’s members responsible for recruiting vulnerable women in their home country.
Campaign against human trafficking
Coinciding with World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on 30 July, the Guardia Civil and Diaconía Spain launched the campaign “Y tú, ¿a quién llamarías?” Herewith, the want to raise awareness and encourage public reporting of clandestine sexual exploitation of women and girls. In 2023, over 650 people were victims of sexual exploitation in Spain, with 98% being women.
The Guardia Civil urges anyone with information on human trafficking or forced prostitution to contact them confidentially at trata@guardiacivil.es.