Spanish and Portuguese law enforcement carried out a large-scale operation that successfully disrupted the activities of an international criminal organization. This group specialized in recruiting and trafficking women from South American countries for subsequent exploitation in Europe.
The investigation began after police uncovered signs of an extensive network operating across several regions of Spain and Portugal. According to investigators, one of the victims was first recruited in Latin America, transported through several Asian countries, and then brought to Spain, where she was forced into prostitution in various provinces.
Through coordinated efforts between law enforcement in Catalonia and organized crime specialists, authorities were able to map out the gang’s structure and identify its leaders. The group was headed by a man and a woman, Spanish and Colombian nationals living in Portugal, who coordinated all exploitation operations in Spain from there.
A key stage of the operation was a series of simultaneous raids in Lleida, Tudela (Navarra), Irun (Gipuzkoa), and Faro (Portugal). Three suspects were detained, including the alleged ringleaders who were arrested in Portugal. Another member, responsible for transporting and overseeing the women, was apprehended in Lleida.
During the raids, police freed eight women who were being held against their will. All victims received the necessary assistance and support in accordance with special protocols for the protection of human trafficking victims.
In addition, investigators seized cash, documents, electronic devices, ammunition, and narcotics. In the home where the main suspects lived, Portuguese authorities also brought additional charges of illegal weapons possession and trafficking in prohibited substances.
The operation was made possible thanks to close cooperation between Spanish and Portuguese authorities, which allowed not only the arrest of the organizers but also the end of the exploitation of women who had been brought from outside the European Union and forced into prostitution.
