Two migrant-trafficking networks between Ceuta and the Mainland dismantled with five arrests
The National Police dismantled two organisations that transported migrants in vessels from Ceuta to the mainland, charging up to 9,000 euros per person.
Five arrested after dismantling two migrant-trafficking networks between Ceuta and the mainland
The National Police has dismantled two organisations dedicated to the clandestine transport of migrants from Ceuta to mainland territory, with a total of five arrests, according to priegodigital.es.
The investigated individuals used small-sized vessels to carry out the transfers, putting the migrants' lives at risk and charging up to 9,000 euros per person.
First network: a stranded speedboat in Benzú reveals the operation
One of the investigations focused on a group operating between Ceuta and La Línea de la Concepción. The organisation transported shallow-draught vessels from the Cadiz coast to Ceuta to pick up undocumented persons and subsequently take them to the mainland.
The investigation began following the discovery of a speedboat that ran aground on a rocky outcrop in the coastal area of Benzú, in Ceuta. Analyses determined that the vessel could have been used recently for this type of activity, although the grounding prevented it from actually transporting migrants.
The network recruited persons from mass swimming assaults via intermediaries and offered them transport to the mainland for approximately 9,000 euros. While awaiting embarkation, migrants remained in private residences, garages or other locations. The operation concluded with the arrest of four persons—two in Ceuta and two in La Línea de la Concepción—on suspicion of criminal organisation offences and facilitating irregular immigration. Officers also seized a vessel linked to the activities.
Second network: seven people at sea for five hours without life jackets
The second investigation pointed to a man who allegedly organised a crossing on 14 August, in which seven persons were transported from Ceuta to the mainland coast in a vessel barely five metres in length and two metres in beam.
The occupants were intercepted at around 04:00 hours on the beach at El Burgo, in La Línea de la Concepción, after spending approximately five hours at sea and covering roughly 40 kilometres from Ceuta.
The organiser charged 8,000 euros per passenger, which would have amounted to a profit of up to 56,000 euros on a single crossing. The vessel lacked life jackets and proper signalling and rescue equipment, and ran out of fuel during the crossing.
The journey took place at night, with thick fog, water ingress and rough seas, which increased the danger for the occupants, some of whom had little or no swimming ability. The arrested person was remanded in provisional custody on suspicion of an offence against the rights of foreign nationals.
24-hour reporting channel active
The National Police maintains an active email address [email protected] and a free telephone number 900 10 50 90, operational 24 hours a day, to receive confidential information relating to human trafficking and the illegal transport of persons.
Source: Google News ES — Crime (es)