The National Police, aided by EUROPOL, freed 21 women who had been subjected to sexual exploitation in brothels operated by a criminal group spanning several Spanish provinces. Nine suspects were detained in Ourense (5), A Coruña (1), Burgos (1), Cuenca (1), and Madrid (1).
The victims were predominantly from Latin America. They were recruited in their home countries and, after arriving in Spain, were forced to provide sexual services to repay debts owed to their captors, debts that reached seven thousand euros.
Vulnerable Women
[–>
The investigation began after information suggested a trafficking victim had arrived in Spain, recruited in her hometown by a criminal organization dedicated to exploiting women.
The agents located the victim and confirmed the existence of a criminal network operating across several Spanish provinces. The group specialized in trafficking people for sexual exploitation and forced prostitution.
<!–>
They operated several brothels spread across different towns, where the women were compelled to work around the clock. They stayed in these residences for defined periods before being relocated to other provinces. Prostitution was conducted day and night and profits were shared equally, with half going to the network.
>–>
Traveled as Tourists
[–>
The victims, in highly vulnerable situations, traveled to Spain seeking to improve their lives. The exploiters arranged hotel reservations in Madrid, travel medical insurance, and return flights to their home country to present them as tourists. They were instructed on how to behave at the border to avoid attracting attention from authorities.
The organization sold the women for 1,000 euros to other traffickers before exploitation or after they had already been exploited by the same group.
Those detained are charged with crimes including human trafficking, forced prostitution, membership in a criminal group and aiding illegal immigration.
[–>
Seven house searches were conducted in the provinces of Ourense, Lugo, Burgos, Cuenca and Seville, where eight mobile phones, 2,895 euros in cash, and various documents essential to the investigation were seized.
>–>>–>