SOCIEDAD ESPAÑA AUTONOMÍAS EUROPA
POLICIA NACIONAL
The Arrest of a Key Operator in Human Smuggling
On October 4, 2019, the Policía Nacional of Spain made a significant move against human trafficking by apprehending “a key link” of an organization involved in smuggling migrants on inflatable boats to the Canary Islands. This particular operation has been taking place from the southern Moroccan coast of Tan-Tan. Notably, each successful transport reportedly yielded over 4,000 euros in profit per individual, underlining the lucrative nature of this illicit activity.
The authorities described the arrested individual as the contact for a “transnational network dedicated to the illicit trafficking of people,” with operations actively based in Morocco. This highlights not only the geographical scope of the network but also its deeply embedded roots in organized crime.
Organizational Structure of the Smuggling Operations
The smuggling organization is structured with defined roles distributed among its members. Tasks included recruitment, transportation, control, and collection of payments. Equipped with logistical resources such as all-terrain vehicles and sophisticated technology for payment processing and operational coordination, the group exhibits a concerning level of professional sophistication.
The Importance of the Home Raid
The police’s tactical approach included a crucial home raid conducted between May 28 and 30 in the town of Antigua, located in Fuerteventura. This operation allowed investigators to seize six mobile phones, two data storage devices, and documentation that was directly linked to the ongoing investigation. Such evidence was vital in securing the arrest.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
The individual detained in Fuerteventura stands accused of acting as an “operational intermediary,” responsible for receiving payments, coordinating transfers, and providing logistical support to migrants arriving in the Canary Islands. His identity and nationality have not been disclosed, as per the procedural protocol. Following the arrest, he was presented before the Instruction Court Number 1 in Arrecife (Lanzarote), where he was ordered to be held in provisional custody.
(Information submitted by EFE)
