Spanish authorities have dismantled a major human trafficking network responsible for the sexual exploitation of women in brothels across Barcelona, Seville, and Gran Canaria. The National Police operation led to the arrest of 14 people, with one placed in provisional custody.
Four victims have been rescued, and four properties used as brothels have been shut down.
The investigation began in 2023 after a tip-off about a criminal organisation engaged in human trafficking for sexual exploitation, and detectives discovered that the network was primarily based in Barcelona, with operations extending to Las Palmas and Seville.
The victims, all of Latin American origin, were lured to Spain through fraudulent online job adverts promising legitimate work opportunities. Upon arrival in Madrid, they were confronted with the reality of their situation: a debt of up to €4,000 for their journey, which they were forced to repay through prostitution.
Subjected to gruelling conditions, they were required to be available to clients 24 hours a day, seven days a week, while keeping only half of their earnings.
Confined to overcrowded and unsanitary apartments, the women were forced to live and work in the same space. They endured constant threats, had their movements restricted, and were coerced into drug use. Basic utilities such as electricity and water were frequently cut off, and they were made to cover their own living expenses.
Beyond the brothels, the criminal network also ran a call centre, where seven women were exploited as operators, taking bookings from clients seeking the services of trafficked victims.
Investigators uncovered additional sources of profit for the organisation, including the sale of drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines, as well as erectile dysfunction pills. Over the past four years, the leader of the operation reportedly received more than €800,000 in payments through a mobile app, money believed to be linked to their illicit activities.
During the police raids on five properties, officers seized €30,000 worth of jewellery, €4,500 in cash, 35 grams of cocaine, 337 grams of amphetamine, 11 grams of cannabis, and 98 erectile dysfunction pills.
The dismantling of this network marks a significant victory in Spain’s ongoing battle against human trafficking, with authorities continuing investigations into potential links with other groups.
