Lorraine Williamson
The Guardia Civil is investigating the possible exploitation of up to 50 women after two women were freed from a premises in Callosa de Segura, Alicante, where they were allegedly forced into prostitution.
A married couple aged 59 and 66 have been arrested on suspicion of human trafficking for sexual exploitation and unlawful detention. Both have been remanded in custody by a court in Orihuela.
The investigation began when one of the women managed to contact someone she knew and asked them to call the 112 emergency service. She told officers who arrived at the premises that she was being held there, was owed money and that her documentation had not been returned.
According to the Guardia Civil, the woman had originally been recruited through a false job offer promising work as a waitress, together with a salary and accommodation. When she arrived, however, she was allegedly told that she would have to work as a prostitute.
Without regular documentation, money or somewhere else to go, investigators say she was left in an extremely vulnerable position. She told officers that she remained under constant control and was unable to move freely.
Second woman found during search of premises
The initial case was investigated by the Policía Judicial unit in Almoradí before being transferred to the Guardia Civil’s specialist Equipo Mujer-Menor (EMUME) in Alicante because of the seriousness of the allegations.
Investigators subsequently searched the premises, described as an isolated building beside an interurban road. The ground floor operated as a bar, while the upper floor was allegedly being used both as living accommodation and as the area where the sexual exploitation took place.
Officers arrested the two people responsible for the business and found another woman who investigators say was also being sexually exploited. Guardia Civil says her account supported what the first woman had told investigators.
Both women are now receiving specialist support for victims of human trafficking.
€30,000 found as investigation expands
The search also produced evidence that has substantially widened the investigation.
Guardia Civil officers seized documents containing records of alleged tariffs and services imposed on the women. They also discovered €30,000 in cash hidden inside the property, together with six mobile phones and a laptop.
An initial examination of the seized documentation led investigators to identify and locate a third woman, who is also now receiving support.
More significantly, investigators say the material contains the identities of up to 50 people who could potentially have been victims. Examination of the evidence is continuing, meaning the eventual scale of the investigation may not yet be known.
Couple remanded in custody
The arrested man, 66, and woman, 59, were brought before the Violence Against Women section of the Tribunal de Instancia in Orihuela.
Both are being investigated for alleged human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation and unlawful detention, and the court ordered that they be remanded in custody.
Three women identified during the investigation have been granted protected-witness status.
The Guardia Civil says its investigation remains open while officers continue analysing the documentation and electronic devices recovered during the operation.
People who believe someone may be experiencing trafficking or sexual exploitation can contact the Guardia Civil on 062, use the AlertCops app or provide information through the Guardia Civil’s citizen collaboration service. The 016 service also provides free and confidential assistance relating to violence against women, including trafficking for sexual exploitation.