A large-scale police operation concluded in Oviedo, resulting in the dismantling of a criminal group involved in the exploitation of women. Law enforcement freed eight victims who had been held in apartments converted into brothels.
The women, who arrived from South American countries, came to Spain after being promised legal employment. However, upon arrival, they were told they owed a debt of 6,000 euros, which they allegedly had to repay by providing sexual services around the clock. Their passports were confiscated immediately, preventing escape or seeking help.
The organizers carefully planned the logistics: preparing documents, buying tickets, and meeting victims at the airport. They were then placed in rented apartments in Oviedo, where they were forced to work without rest and had no right to refuse. Half of each night’s earnings went to the recruiter, while the women also had to pay for room rent and photoshoots to advertise online. Their freedom of movement was nearly nonexistent—they were only allowed to leave under supervision and only to buy groceries.
In some cases, if clients requested drugs, the women would contact the gang leader, who arranged for cocaine to be delivered. The entire operation was set up to keep the victims under strict control and deny them any opportunity to make independent decisions.
Five people were arrested during the operation: two in Oviedo and three in Madrid. Among them is the alleged leader of the group, who, along with another member, is already in custody. Police conducted searches at five locations, seizing drugs, documents, and electronic devices that may shed light on the scale of the criminal activity.
The investigation began back in March 2025 after two women who had previously been exploited decided to come forward with their experiences. Their testimonies helped uncover a widespread network operating in both cities and exploiting the vulnerability of newcomers for profit.
