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Spanish authorities have dismantled what they describe as one of the largest criminal networks involved in migrant smuggling across the Mediterranean, arresting 78 people and seizing 18 high-speed boats used in the alleged operations.
Spain’s police said Friday that the network had operated a complex route linking Spain and Algeria, transporting synthetic drugs such as ecstasy from Spain to Algeria and allegedly carrying migrants back to Spain’s Mediterranean coast and the island of Ibiza.
Investigators estimate that the organisation carried out at least 64 migrant smuggling operations, bringing more than 2,000 people into Spain and generating profits exceeding 24 million euros ($28 million). According to police, the group charged migrants up to 12,000 euros per person for transportation, with some crossings carrying as many as 50 people at a time.
Authorities described the journeys as “extremely dangerous”, saying migrants were transported “crammed together, at high speed, in rough seas”.
“On some occasions, passengers were even tied up to prevent them from falling into the water during the journey,” police said in a statement.
Four individuals identified as alleged leaders of the organisation were among those arrested. Police also seized 18 high-speed vessels valued at more than five million euros as part of the operation.
The investigation was carried out with support from Europol, a European Union law enforcement agency, and law enforcement agencies from France, Portugal and Poland.
Spain remains a major entry point into Europe for irregular migration, with many migrants travelling by sea from regions affected by conflict, persecution and economic hardship. The Atlantic route from West Africa to the Canary Islands has traditionally recorded the highest number of sea arrivals.
However, while arrivals to the Canary Islands have declined in recent months, authorities have reported an increase in irregular migration along the western Mediterranean route connecting Algeria and Spain.
The latest operation comes as European countries continue efforts to disrupt organised criminal groups involved in migrant smuggling and trafficking networks operating across major migration routes.
