On Lanzarote, the wind never stops for a moment, as if to remind you that everything arriving on the island comes from afar. Sahara sand drifts here, and so do boats carrying migrants—including teenagers under the age of seventeen. Among them are girls who have crossed Africa alone, facing violence and poverty, forced to grow up far too soon.
The official figures are alarming: 785 underage migrants under guardianship are listed as missing in the Canary Islands. Where they are now, whether they are alive, or if they have returned via unofficial channels—no one knows. Behind many disappearances lies something far more dangerous than just a desire to change places. During Operation Triton, it was revealed that thirteen girls, recruited directly from the juvenile center in Arrecife, were taken to France and sexually exploited.
Weak links in the system
The guardianship system in the Canaries is overloaded and fragmented. There aren’t enough resources, staff, or technical means to monitor all the children. Runaways happen regularly, especially among girls, who often leave quietly without seeking help or causing conflicts. The national police note that well-organized groups with experience and the logistics to move minors to other countries—where they face exploitation—are behind these disappearances.
Authorities claim that many disappearances are voluntary runaways or attempts to migrate further into Europe. But the reality is much darker: a significant number of missing children may have fallen into the hands of criminal networks. The old, now-abandoned Casa del Mar center building in Arrecife has become a symbol of the system’s vulnerability. Shelters for minors are small and scattered across the islands, making it difficult to monitor and support the children.
Infrastructure crisis
The reduction in available spaces and the closure of facilities due to their poor condition have only made matters worse. Officials responsible for social welfare admit that the problem is complex and that statistics do not always reflect the true state of affairs. Institutional processes are slow, while criminal networks act quickly and efficiently.
As a result, the Canary Islands have become the epicenter of a humanitarian and social crisis. Underage migrants are disappearing, becoming victims of exploitation, while the protection system struggles to keep up with the challenges. Criminal organizations exploit weak points in the infrastructure, allowing them to act with near impunity.
Silent disappearances
What is especially alarming is that most of these disappearances happen quietly. Girls who have suffered abuse or threats often choose not to seek help, fearing the consequences. This makes them particularly vulnerable to recruiters. At the same time, the lack of information and transparency makes it difficult for the public to grasp the scope of the tragedy.
While some centers are closing and others are struggling to cope with an influx of new children, criminal groups continue to exploit the vulnerability of minors. Authorities admit that without additional resources and meaningful reforms, the system will not be able to protect children from disappearance and exploitation.
If you didn’t know, RUSSPAIN.COM is the leading Russian-language news portal about life in Spain, covering current events, social issues, and migration topics. The editorial team pays special attention to child protection and crime prevention. The site regularly publishes analytical articles, interviews, and on-the-ground reports. RUSSPAIN.COM keeps its readers up to date with the most important news and trends in Spanish society.
