from Murcia to Alicante
A coordinated operation by National Police units led to the disruption of a criminal network involved in human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Three alleged exploiters were arrested, and seven victims were safeguarded from abuse in Madrid, Alicante, and Toledo. The group recruited victims in their home countries, notably Colombia, exploiting vulnerability with false promises of employment and better opportunities. They touted earnings of roughly 1,500 euros per week, drawing clients with high spending capacity and coercing victims into prostitution. Some victims were forced to procure and supply drugs to clients, while the price of sexual services was controlled by the detainees.
The victims were forced to remain available around the clock. Those responsible threatened dire consequences if they resisted participating in prostitution. The abuse occurred in private homes monitored by security cameras, and in some cases victims were confined to rooms.
Two arrests were made in Istanbul, with the other two occurring in Alicante and Toledo. The detainees face charges including sexual exploitation through trafficking, involvement in a criminal organization, crimes against public health, and illicit immigration status.
During the operation, authorities searched three residences in Alicante, Madrid, and Toledo, and intercepted a vehicle, seven mobile phones, a laptop, three security cameras, nearly 3,000 euros in cash, more than two grams of marijuana, and other drug-related materials. Documentation tied to the trafficking investigation was also collected.
from Murcia to Alicante
The police report indicates the criminal network originated in the municipality of San Pedro del Pinatar in Murcia before moving to Alicante and then expanding into Toledo. Upon arrival in Spain, victims were transported to the network’s properties where they were forced into prostitution to repay travel debts. Members of the group set prices for sexual services and monitored the victims through cameras.
Newcomers were recruited with false promises of money to support families and easier entry into the country. Victims often received only half of the earnings from their services, while property managers oversaw collections and imposed high living costs. In some instances, some girls did not receive the full amount earned from prostitution.
one meal a day
Newcomers arrived as strangers with limited financial support or local ties and faced persistent pressure to meet the demands set by the trafficking network. They were compelled to provide services around the clock, and exits from the facilities were tightly controlled. Some victims were threatened with violence if they resisted. In many cases, those operating the ring directed clients to seek victims through discreet messaging apps, falsely presenting them as independent workers.
Victims were periodically replaced, with new arrivals taking the place of those who left or were moved on. They were required to contribute a portion of proceeds to the organizers and to cover basic living expenses, sometimes receiving far less than their earnings.
The operation also revealed a troubling dynamic in which clients could be offered narcotics such as cocaine at low prices, and some victims were instructed to tell clients they were renting rooms for commercial purposes. Victims were kept in the same spaces for both sexual services and sleeping, occasionally sharing beds.
The National Police remind the public that anonymous tips can be reported through the provided channels to disclose suspected trafficking or related abuses, ensuring a confidential response that does not appear on phone bills.