A joint police operation has broken up a group moving migrants from Alicante to the French border. Three suspects are in custody. Authorities estimate the network earned around €100,000 from over 20 trips.
Spanish and French police have broken up a criminal network that organized the illegal transport of migrants from Alicante to the border at La Junquera. The operation, coordinated between the Policía Nacional and the Police Nationale, led to the arrest of three individuals, two of whom are now in pre-trial detention. Investigators believe the group made at least 20 trips, each carrying an average of five people, charging €200 per person and collecting an estimated €100,000 in total.
The investigation began in France, where authorities noticed repeated border crossings by a vehicle linked to the main suspect, who resided in Alicante. French police alerted their Spanish counterparts, who quickly identified the individual and uncovered a pattern: several vehicles, all connected to the suspect’s circle, regularly traveled the same route from Alicante—a city known as a landing point for boats from Algeria—to the Pyrenean border at La Junquera-Le Perthus. After crossing into France, the vehicles would continue north before returning to Spain days later.
Within just two months, between May and June, the alleged ringleader completed seven trips along this corridor. By cross-referencing travel data, Spanish and French police established that the network had made at least 20 round trips. The method used to conceal the migrants during transport has not been disclosed by police sources.
During one of these journeys, French authorities detained the main suspect on French soil. Following the arrest, a European Investigation Order was issued, allowing Spanish police to search the suspect’s home and access his financial records. Three days after receiving the order, officers raided the property, seizing €3,190 in cash, personal and vehicle documents, a set of keys to another car, and a package of business cards advertising taxi services.
The investigation also uncovered four bank accounts linked to those arrested. Authorities are now analyzing these accounts to determine the full extent of the illicit profits. The case highlights the ongoing challenge of cross-border migrant smuggling in southern Europe. Similar operations have been reported elsewhere, such as when Moroccan police blocked a mass attempt to enter Ceuta, as detailed in this report on border security measures.
Spain remains a key entry point for migrants seeking to reach Europe, with the Alicante region frequently cited as a destination for boats arriving from North Africa. The dismantling of this network underscores the importance of international cooperation in tackling organized migration-related crime. Authorities continue to monitor routes and financial flows to disrupt similar operations in the future.
