Over a span of 19 months, a woman endured coercive control and abuse after being recruited by a colleague who promised a stable job in Spain. Her supposed employer used threats saying that speaking out would ruin her chances to settle her affairs and would deprive her of any financial support. She eventually escaped, reported the incident, and authorities moved to action. The National Police announced the arrest of four people, though two men and two women were later cleared by the court after a preliminary review. Officials noted that both the victim and the suspects were of Chinese descent in a police update.
The woman arrived in the Zone after responding to an advertisement placed by a fellow national offering a job with promises that could not be fulfilled through ordinary private agencies. The outreach appeared online at the start of 2022, when the victim saw an opportunity for work at a market in Caravaca de la Cruz.
After contacting those responsible and hearing the stated terms, she learned that the work would involve duties and a salary that sounded appealing: about 1,400 euros per month, one day off weekly, compensation for overtime, and help to stabilize her situation in the country after two years. It proved to be a deception. Yet she trusted the message and moved from Bilbao to the region. That decision marked the beginning of a nightmare.
As described in the case details, upon arrival she was greeted by a couple who owned the arcade where she would work. She became subjected to working conditions far from what had been promised, with long and grueling days and little chance to leave the home. She remained under constant surveillance by her captors, who monitored her every move.
The situation deteriorated when she was transferred to Cieza, to work in another market owned by a different couple of the same nationality. The harsh conditions persisted. The initial recruiter had even begun to involve family members, who forced further control. There was an incident where a woman was assaulted through non-consensual physical contact, according to the police memo. Before she could escape, she hurriedly left behind all her belongings on the attackers’ floor as she fled.
National Police collaborated with local police units from Caravaca de la Cruz and Cieza. Combined, they conducted background checks on the markets, coordinated searches, and proceeded to arrest the two women involved in the scheme. The investigation continues as authorities gather further details to understand the scope of the operation and to support other potential victims. The case underscores the risks associated with deceptive job offers and the severe harm that trafficking networks can inflict on individuals seeking safety and opportunity in a foreign country.