Lorraine Williamson
Turkish authorities have apprehended Youness en Naciri, a man wanted for his role in one of Spain’s most significant child abuse cases. The 2019 escapee, who was convicted of abusing over 100 children, was detained in the coastal town of Bodrum.
His arrest marks a critical development in the case, which spans multiple countries and highlights the global nature of child exploitation networks.
The ‘Trinity Case’ and En Naciri’s role
En Naciri was part of a criminal group involved in the sexual abuse and exploitation of minors, primarily in Spain. The network targeted vulnerable children in cities such as Tarragona and Barcelona, as well as in Morocco and Thailand. Victims were often manipulated with drugs or money, leaving them susceptible to abuse.
Known as the “Trinity Case,” the investigation uncovered more than 300 videos and images of abuse. Although over 100 victims were identified, only 18 minors—aged between 11 and 16—have been formally named. Some of these children were under the care of child protection services in Catalonia.
The escape and ongoing investigation
In 2019, just before his trial in Tarragona, En Naciri fled Spain, evading justice for years. He was not alone; two other key suspects, Jean Luc Aschbacher and Christian Bernard Georges Arson, also escaped. Aschbacher, considered the leader of the network, was later sentenced to 240 years in prison, while Arson received a 19-year sentence. Despite the arrests of the other suspects, En Naciri remained elusive until his recent capture in Turkey.
The arrest
The arrest took place at a hotel in Bodrum, a popular tourist destination on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. Acting on an international arrest warrant issued by Interpol, Turkish police apprehended the fugitive. En Naciri had tried to conceal his identity, posing as a Palestinian refugee without a passport. However, his true identity was uncovered after fingerprint analysis, and his passport was found hidden in his luggage.
Extradition and the road to justice
En Naciri’s arrest is a significant milestone in this ongoing investigation. Authorities in Turkey are now preparing for his extradition to Spain, where he will face justice for his crimes. This case stresses the vital role of international cooperation in the fight against child exploitation networks and sends a strong message that fugitives cannot evade the law forever.
En Naciri’s arrest is a crucial step in the resolution of one of the most extensive child abuse cases in Spain’s history. It demonstrates the importance of global efforts to track down criminals, no matter where they seek refuge.
Also read: Spain is a hostile ground for fugitives