Zuwanderung: Spanien zerschlägt großen Schleuserring im Mittelmeerraum
Eine Gruppe von Schleusern soll synthetische Drogen nach Algerien und Migranten nach Spanien geschleust haben. Damit hat der Schleuserring laut Polizei rund 24 Millionen Euro Gewinn erzielt.
Spanish authorities have dismantled one of the largest people-smuggling rings in the Mediterranean, according to the Spanish police. The organization allegedly transported over 2,000 migrants into the country, authorities announced on Friday. The Guardia Civil's investigators described the network as one of the "most complex, active, and dangerous" criminal organizations encountered in the region.
During the operation, 77 individuals were arrested in Spain, and one person in Algeria. Additionally, 18 fast boats were seized. The network allegedly utilized fast boats to transport synthetic drugs from Spain to Algeria and migrants to the southeast coast of Spain and the island of Ibiza. The syndicate amassed profits of at least 24 million euros from at least 64 trips, charging up to 12,000 euros per migrant.
The Spanish police also noted that the crossings were extremely dangerous, with migrants traveling in overcrowded boats at high speeds and often during severe weather, without lights or life vests, and often tied up to prevent them from jumping overboard. Spain has recently observed a shift in migration routes, with arrivals in the Canary Islands declining, while the number of arrivals in Spain and the Balearic Islands has increased, especially from Algeria.
The Spanish police, along with Europol, French, Portuguese, and Polish authorities, were involved in the investigation. EU officials warn that the operation poses a "concrete threat to European borders" and could trigger a new refugee crisis.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
