People-trafficking network between Colombia and Seville dismantled: eight arrested
National Police arrest eight members of an organisation based in Seville that trafficked Colombians, charging them up to 5,000 euros for the journey.
Eight arrested in Seville for trafficking Colombians through debts of up to 5,000 euros
The National Police have dismantled an international criminal organisation dedicated to people trafficking between Colombia and Spain, with eight arrests in Seville, including the main leaders of the network. According to reports, at least 22 people would have entered Spain through this criminal scheme.
The network targeted men and women in situations of extreme need in Colombia and offered them a "travel package" that included airfares to Spain and purported job stability in the country. In return, the victims assumed an economic debt of between 4,000 and 5,000 euros.
Operations at origin and destination
The investigation began following analysis of information obtained in a 2024 operation against a human trafficking network. That work revealed the existence of an independent organisation, perfectly structured and based in Seville, dedicated to the irregular transfer of Colombian citizens.
In Colombia, the organisation employed specialist recruiters who took advantage of the victims' vulnerability to offer them work in Spain, specifically in care for dependent persons or in the restaurant sector. The victims travelled posing as tourists and received precise instructions for passing through border controls, as well as cash that they had to return immediately upon arrival.
Forged documents and labour exploitation
Once in Spain, the network operated as an irregular employment agency. The jobs offered were concentrated in care for persons in Seville province or in hospitality in Cádiz province. In the latter case, members of the organisation provided documentation belonging to others—regularised persons or individuals linked to the network—to register the victims irregularly at a cost of 200 euros monthly.
The legitimate holders of that documentation obtained an additional benefit: they subsequently received unemployment benefits generated in their names.
Threats to families in Colombia
When victims could not meet their debt instalments, the organisation resorted to direct threats against their relatives in Colombia. Several people were forced to abandon their homes and move city to avoid reprisals.
The operation has culminated in the arrest of eight members of the network in Seville, among whom are the principal persons responsible for the organisation.
Source: Google News ES — Crime (es)