In Gran Canaria, officers from the National Police, working together with the Canary Islands’ autonomous police, have carried out a major operation dismantling a group suspected of arranging sexual encounters involving minors under the care of regional authorities. As a result of the law enforcement actions, four people were arrested and seven minors, who had become victims of criminal activity, were identified.
The operation was conducted simultaneously in several parts of the island. Authorities carried out four searches: two in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and another two in the municipality of Santa Lucía de Tirajana in the southeast. During the raids, digital devices, data storage media, a revolver, and illegal substances were seized. All those arrested are currently in custody, but the investigation is ongoing and further arrests have not been ruled out.
Investigation details
According to police, the detainees are suspected of arranging meetings between adults and minors under state care. Investigators are considering the possibility that those arrested may be part of a wider network engaged in similar activities. During the searches, evidence was found which is now being examined by experts.
Law enforcement officials report that the operation was the result of prolonged surveillance and intelligence gathering. Attention to the situation intensified after several reports of possible violations involving minors in state institutions. All affected minors are currently under protection and receiving the necessary assistance.
Related cases
The exposure of this group comes just over a month after another major operation in which an international criminal organization involved in transporting minors from shelters in the Canary Islands to France was dismantled. Eleven people were arrested at that time: nine in Lanzarote, and two in Madrid and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. They are charged with forming a criminal organization, document forgery, illegal transportation of people, violation of family rights and responsibilities, as well as concealing crimes and child pornography.
In both cases, the minors involved were under the care of state authorities, raising particular concern among officials and the public. Police emphasize that combating such crimes remains a top priority, and efforts to detect new incidents are ongoing.
Measures and consequences
As part of the investigation, authorities continue to examine confiscated equipment and other materials that may shed light on the extent of the group’s activities. Investigators do not rule out the possibility that the number of victims could rise as new information emerges. Officials are urging anyone with knowledge of similar incidents to contact law enforcement.
The suspects remain in custody while the investigation works to establish all the circumstances of the case. Authorities in the Canary Islands have announced plans to tighten oversight of institutions housing minors in care, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future.
