Spain dismantles criminal network smuggling migrants from Algeria to the EU

 The Spanish Guardia Civil, supported by Europol, dismantled a criminal network smuggling migrants by boats from Algeria to Spain and onwards to other EU countries. The network, led by a Moroccan national, was comprised of both Algerian and Moroccan suspects based in Spain. Their operations relied on significant financial and logistical resources, misusing legitimate businesses such as maritime trading companies, to procure the means of transport for the smuggling activities. Hawaladars were also used to move criminal funds.

The action days between 17 and 19 June in Spain led to:

• Actions in Almería, Nijar, Tabernas, Espartinas (Seville) and Alicante
• 8 locations (6 houses and 2 industrial premises)
• 14 arrests
• Seizures included 15 speedboats between 7.5 and 8 meters, partly equipped with powerful engines (between 200 and 425 hp), boat hull moulds (8 and 14 meters long), maritime and electronic equipment, more than 100 full gasoline canisters, 2 firearms and more than EUR 68 000 in cash.

More than EUR 1 million pumped into putting boats together for smuggling runs

The migrant smuggling network was highly structured, with separate branches responsible for different tasks and members playing distinct roles, including investors, intermediaries connecting the various cells, skippers and those preparing the boats.

The criminal organisation is believed to have spent more than EUR 1 million on acquiring and manufacturing high-speed boats to support its operations. A complex web of companies in France and Spain was used to arrange the logistics and supply nautical equipment. Migrants were charged up to EUR 7 000 each for a dangerous one-way journey from Algeria to Spain on the often-overcrowded self-made boats.

The network was composed of several cells. One cell was responsible for acquiring and managing vessels and maritime equipment, while another coordinated the navigation of boats towards landing spots along the Spanish coast. Other branches provided essential resources for the smuggling operations, including fuel, food, and communication systems, or handled security tasks during crossings.

Europol facilitated the exchange of information and provided operational coordination and analytical support. Europol deployed an expert to Spain to facilitate the real-time exchange of information and cross-check operational information against Europol’s databases, providing immediate leads to investigators in the field.