The Spanish authorities have dismantled a criminal network between Melilla and Morocco, specializing in the trafficking of people, in particular Moroccan citizens, towards Spain either by Melilla, or by other Spanish territories. The operation led to the arrest of 13 individuals, according to Spanish media.
The surveys started in March 2024 after information on a network using small boats recorded under fictitious names to illegally transport migrants to the Andalusian coasts. The authorities revealed that the network was organized in four management levels, including the organizers, logistical support, boat captains and fictitious name holders.
The network used several methods, such as direct landings on Melilla beaches with the fire of the boats to destroy evidence, coordination with maritime rescue on arrival on the coast of Motril, and the use of small boats to distribute migrants along the coast in order to avoid being captured.
According to surveys, each migrant paid between 12,000 and 13,000 euros, generating profits exceeding 550,000 euros from three illegal transport operations involving 45 people using five boats.
Eleven people were arrested in Melilla and two in Malaga, in addition to entering communication devices used by the network, which investigators continue to analyze to discover more evidence.
