Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
Nine were arrested following the operation, which was preceeded by several months of investigation.
Spanish authorities have completely shattered a highly organized smuggling ring operating out of the southern province of Almería, Spain, Europol said in a press release.
To take down the gang, the Spanish Guardia Civil teamed up with the National Police and also received support from Europol.
Authorities also released a video of the operation, showing officers breaching several locations and seizing evidence. Article continues below.
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From Africa to Spain to the rest of Europe
The criminal network specialized in bringing irregular migrants across the sea from Algeria to Spain. But the journey did not end on the Spanish coast.
Once safely ashore, the migrants were quietly moved onward to France and other European Union nations.
To run its illicit business, the network relied on a strict corporate hierarchy. The ring successfully brought together criminals from Algeria, Morocco, and Spain. While leaders sat at the very top, coordinators handled the tricky travel logistics and security teams provided cover.
To make tracking harder, the gang split into two distinct branches. The first group handled fast boats leaving North Africa. Meanwhile, the second team managed the land routes slicing across the European continent.
Massive haul
Following a multi-month investigation, police launched a series of dramatic raids across several Spanish towns.
Officers swept through locations like Almería, Roquetas de Mar, Vícar, and Adra to trap their targets. The intense action day ended with nine suspects in handcuffs.
The gang was flush with cash and gear. Investigators seized 43,000 euros in cash along with 61 kilograms of hashish. They also confiscated 30 vehicles, two large boats, and three high-powered marine engines used to outrun coastal patrols.
The network also possessed various false documents, knives, and an air pistol. According to Europol, the organization had invested over half a million euros in property and assets to fund their operations.
The smugglers used clever tricks to stay ahead of the law. They often reported their own fast boats as stolen to confuse port authorities and break the paper trail.
Now, those assets are in police custody.
Sources: Europol
