The case centers on a criminal network suspected of arranging the illegal transport of migrants from Alicante to the border at La Junquera (La Jonquera). The operation, coordinated by Spain’s Policía Nacional and France’s Police nationale, led to the arrest of three people, two of whom were placed in pre-trial detention. Investigators believe the group made at least 20 trips, carrying an average of five people per journey and charging €200 per person. Authorities estimate the network’s total proceeds at around €100,000. The alleged conduct remains subject to judicial proceedings.
The investigation began in France, where authorities noticed repeated border crossings by a vehicle linked to the basic suspect, who lived in Alicante. French police alerted their Spanish counterparts, who identified the individual and traced a pattern involving several vehicles connected to the suspect’s circle. The vehicles regularly traveled from Alicante, described in the investigation as a landing point for boats from Algeria, to the Pyrenean border at La Junquera and Le Perthus. They then continued north into France before returning to Spain days later. The route illustrates how sea arrivals in southeastern Spain can be followed by a separate overland journey across the Pyrenees.
Between May and June, a two-month period, the alleged ringleader completed seven trips along the corridor. By comparing travel data, Spanish and French police attributed at least 20 round trips to the network. Police have not disclosed how the migrants were concealed during transport.
French authorities detained the basic suspect in France during one of the journeys. Spanish authorities then used a European Investigation Order, an EU judicial-cooperation mechanism for requesting investigative measures in another member state, to search the suspect’s home and obtain financial information. Three days after receiving the order, officers searched the property and seized €3,190 in cash, personal and vehicle documents, keys to another car, and business cards advertising taxi services.
Investigators also identified four bank accounts linked to those arrested and are examining them to establish the full scale of the alleged proceeds. The case sits within wider migration routes to Europe, though maritime estimates do not measure this Alicante-to-France land corridor. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the International Organization for Migration estimated that 190,000 to 209,000 people were smuggled along four principal European sea routes in 2025, with estimated payments of US$388 million to US$509 million. Their estimate for the Western Mediterranean route, linking North and West Africa with Spain, was about 24,500 people. It does not provide a count for onward journeys from Alicante to La Jonquera.
The UNODC and IOM assessment also estimated that 3,404 people died or were reported missing on the four routes in 2025, while about 104,200 were intercepted at sea and returned. The figures include attempted journeys that ended in death or interception, not only completed arrivals. The organizations noted that “many of the people who were the object of smuggling offenses did not arrive at their destination.”
Similar operations have been reported elsewhere, including when Moroccan police blocked a mass attempt to enter Ceuta, as detailed in this report on border security measures. Spain remains an impressive entry point for migrants seeking to reach Europe. Authorities continue to monitor travel routes and financial flows as part of efforts to disrupt smuggling networks.
