Five people have been arrested in Gran Canaria after police dismantled an alleged criminal network accused of recruiting unaccompanied migrant girls from care centres. Some of the children were reportedly taken to mainland Spain and France for sexual exploitation.

The investigation began after a girl who had left a protection centre in Gran Canaria returned to Spain from France. She told officers she had been approached with the promise of work.

Investigators then identified similarities between her case and other disappearances from care centres. Several girls had left without their identity documents and were linked to flights from Gran Canaria just hours later.

Police believe the suspects targeted children who lacked established family support in Spain and faced language difficulties. Many reportedly wanted to leave the Canary Islands to find work or continue to other European countries.

The alleged network offered to help them leave the centres but instead arranged their travel using identity or travel documents belonging to other people. Flights and onward journeys to destinations in mainland Spain and France were also reportedly organised.

Investigators say members had different roles, including contacting the girls, obtaining documents and tickets, and accompanying them to Gran Canaria Airport. Some allegedly escorted the children as far as security checkpoints to ensure they reached the departure area.

Two alleged victims were rescued during the investigation, while officers prevented another four girls from leaving their care centres under similar circumstances.

The main police operation took place on 29th July and involved five searches at locations across Gran Canaria. Five suspects were arrested, including one under the age of 18.

Officers seized documents, mobile phones, electronic devices and cash. The evidence will now be examined to establish the full scale of the alleged operation and identify any further victims or suspects.

The investigation remains open under the direction of a court in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Further arrests or police action have not been ruled out.