Schlepper-Kriminalität: Spaniens Polizei zerschlägt internationale Schlepperbande

Madrid, Spain - The Spanish police have dismantled a powerful international people-smuggling ring that transported migrants from North Africa across the Mediterranean. The Algerian-based organization, highly organized and connected internationally, smuggled over 2000 migrants through at least 64 voyages using high-speed boats over the years, generating more than 24 million euros in revenue, the police announced.

However, many smuggling rings are involved in human trafficking and drug smuggling, often forming shifting alliances and constantly reorganizing. Although the number of migrants crossing the Mediterranean has significantly decreased, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) reported over 12,000 migrants arriving in Spain from the Mediterranean since the beginning of the year.

In total, 78 individuals, including four network leaders and a so-called Hawala banker involved in cashless financial transactions, were arrested, the police stated. The investigation, which began in 2023, involved authorities from Europol, as well as the police forces of Poland, Portugal, and France, who also operate in the region and have bases in Italy.