A police operation in Orihuela dismantled a criminal network trafficking Algerian migrants to the Spanish coasts, arresting five suspects in Tudela (Navarra) and exposing a scheme that moved at least 88 people by boat from Algeria to Alicante and Murcia. Investigators say the operation generated more than 350,000 euros in proceeds. The group charged each migrant around 5,000 euros for the voyage, with additional 300 euros collected on shore, and further fees for accommodation and onward transport to Orihuela. These figures come from the National Police and supported by Europol coordination.
In Orihuela, the suspects also charged 50 euros per day for lodging at security facilities and another 400 euros for onward transfer elsewhere in the country. Four of those arrested, including the network’s ringleader and the two boat crews, were remanded to prison, according to police statements.
Police searched an address in Orihuela and seized 54,900 euros in cash, multiple mobile phones, and assorted documents connected to the investigation. The operation was carried out in partnership with Europol, and the boat activities had reportedly been halted in October 2021. Investigations revealed a criminal network based in Alicante Province that profited from smuggling Algerian migrants by sea to the Spanish coast.
Authorities linked the operation to six immigration bodies and confirmed that 88 Algerian migrants, including eight unaccompanied minors, were transported by boat.
cell in Algeria
The Orihuela connection was complemented by a corresponding cell in Algeria that recruited interested individuals and coordinated boat movements toward the coasts of Alicante and Murcia.
The group operated with a fleet of fibers boats and pilots possessing the know-how for dangerous open-sea crossings, alongside fuel reserves, compasses, and marine positioning gear.
Police described a high level of technical expertise that enabled multiple round trips in a single day using the same pilot and vessel, with up to three boats dispatched simultaneously to overwhelm Spanish maritime resources.
In their operations, the organization did not hesitate to endanger migrants, often conducting journeys at night in fiber boats crowded far beyond safe capacity. The vessels carried excessive fuel and drums that created fire and explosion risks.
Security measures were minimal or absent, with immigrants not provided life jackets or safety equipment. After reaching the shores of Spain, migrants were collected by network members who transported them by vehicle to Orihuela, where they were hidden on secured floors before being moved to other parts of the country.
Police reports indicate that the crime syndicate demanded 5,000 euros per migrant for the sea voyage, plus 300 euros for shore collection and onward transport to Orihuela, 50 euros per day for accommodation in secure facilities, and a further 400 euros for onward transfers.
In total, six maritime migration incidents linked to the network were confirmed by agencies, with the operation showing sustained gains of more than 350,000 euros for the organizers.
Attribution: National Police, Europol. Evidence collected includes cash, mobile devices, and documentary records that trace the flow of funds and people across borders.