The national police reported on Wednesday the arrest of five individuals in Blanes, Girona, on suspicion of sexually abusing women. Additionally, two people were temporarily detained, including two women.
The group is alleged to have operated as a trafficking network that exploited women brought under the pretense of offering better opportunities in Spain. The police stated that many of these women eventually worked in prostitution, while the ring maintained control over them through various coercive means.
Evidence indicates the network monitored victims with security cameras linked to the leaders’ mobile devices, while profits were boosted by selling cocaine to clients. The money was laundered through a bar and a grocery shop connected to the operation.
Operation Method
The command centers were run by women referred to as mamis, who coordinated client intake and kept accounts of the sexual services provided by the victims, who were predominantly from Colombia.
Victims were recruited in their home country by the former husband of a supposed ringleader, who facilitated travel to Spain and provided documents and funds to simulate a tourist purpose before presenting themselves to airport authorities.
After arrival, victims were moved to dating floors where they performed sexual services. Debts owed to the organization were framed as necessary payments, and contact numbers for sexual services appeared on the organization’s online pages, with responses provided by the exploited individuals.
Investigation
Audits continued as four victims were released and authorities intensified measures against the crime network following an inquiry that began in May of the previous year when investigators became aware of the case.
The national police executed five searches across properties in the municipality, seizing cash totaling about 3,000 euros, 21 doses of cocaine and related paraphernalia, three luxury watches, multiple computers, and documents used for investigative purposes.