Seven people have been taken into custody following a major police operation in the cities of Denia and Els Poblets in Alicante province. Law enforcement uncovered a criminal group that lured women from Colombia by exploiting their financial hardships and forced them into prostitution in Spain.
The investigation began in November 2024, when potential human trafficking victim was identified at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport in Madrid. After the victim contacted the police, authorities were able to track down an organized group operating in Denia. The perpetrators promised women assistance in moving to Spain, but in reality forced them into debt bondage, making them work in the sex industry to repay fabricated debts.
During raids on several residences, eleven exploited women were freed. The operation allowed police to seize a large amount of cash—about 50,000 euros—as well as drugs, vehicles, electronic devices, and accounting records detailing both proceeds and fictitious debts of the victims.
International operation exposes new details of human trafficking scheme
The organizers carefully selected their victims in Colombia, taking advantage of their vulnerability and lack of alternatives. The women arrived in Spain under promises of legal employment, only to face harsh conditions and threats. Control over them was maintained not only through financial leverage, but also psychological pressure.
As a result of joint operations by police and gendarmerie units from Madrid, Alicante, and Valencia, authorities were able not only to detain the suspects but also to collect evidence for a wide range of crimes. These include human trafficking, formation of a criminal organization, violation of labor rights, facilitating illegal migration, money laundering, and drug-related offenses.
Consequences and next steps
Currently, the detainees are awaiting a court decision. The investigation is ongoing to identify possible additional incidents and other members of the scheme. The freed women have received the necessary assistance and protection. The operation has become one of the largest successes in the fight against international human trafficking in the region in recent years.
