40 people arrested for human trafficking in Fuerteventura
Police have arrested 40 people linked to a criminal network operating in the Canary Islands and mainland Spain that allegedly combined human trafficking, prostitution and online blackmail scams.
The operation led to the rescue of three women in Fuerteventura who police say were being forced into prostitution. Two suspects arrested on the island have been remanded in custody.
According to the National Police, the investigation uncovered two connected criminal groups. One allegedly targeted men using fake escort adverts online before threatening and extorting them for money, while the other exploited vulnerable women brought to the Canary Islands through false job offers.
The case began after a man reported receiving threatening calls shortly after contacting an escort advert online. Police say someone pretending to be a club boss demanded around €5,000, claiming he had wasted the women’s time and owed money.
Investigators later discovered around 80 similar complaints across Spain. Victims were allegedly threatened by callers claiming to represent violent enforcers or hitmen if they refused to pay.
Police say the gang relied on fear and embarrassment, knowing many victims would be reluctant to report the threats because of the nature of the websites involved.
Officers believe the organisation published large numbers of fake adverts on escort and dating websites. Once someone made contact, the extortion attempts began, with victims accused of missing appointments or disrespecting the women.
The investigation also uncovered links to a separate group based in Fuerteventura. Police say women were recruited through fake job adverts on social media and then moved to the island, where they were allegedly controlled, monitored and forced into prostitution.
Investigators said customer details from the prostitution network were allegedly passed to the extortion gang for €50 each, allowing them to target men directly with threats and demands for money.
During raids in Valencia and Fuerteventura, officers searched nine properties and seized marijuana plantations, cash, two handguns and 11 fighting cockerels believed to be linked to illegal gambling and money laundering activities.
Police say the gang used multiple bank accounts, phone lines and intermediaries to hide their identities and move money. Seven suspects have been placed in pre-trial detention while the investigation continues.
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