Police in Spain have broken up a suspected human trafficking ring that forced migrants to work in kebab shops under brutal conditions, freeing 11 victims and arresting four people.

The operation, carried out by the Policia Nacional in Cadiz and Badajoz, targeted a network accused of exploiting vulnerable migrants and running what investigators described as a form of modern slavery.

Officers shut down four kebab restaurants linked to the group – two in Cadiz and two in Badajoz – which police say served as the centre of the operation.

According to investigators, the victims were Pakistani nationals who had travelled to Spain hoping to escape poverty and support their families.

Once in the country, many found themselves trapped in the network because of their irregular immigration status.

Police say the workers were forced to endure extremely harsh living conditions. Some slept inside the restaurants where they worked, using chairs as beds because no mattresses were provided.

They also had to use customer toilets to wash.

Others were housed in overcrowded flats described as unsanitary, with officers discovering bedbug infestations during the investigation.

Victims were allegedly made to work between 12 and 14 hours a day. In many cases they were paid nothing at all, or received as little as €100 a month.

Investigators say the gang closely monitored workers through security cameras installed in the businesses, allowing managers to watch them in real time and even wake them during the night to carry out cleaning duties.

Police say the suspects also used threats to keep the victims under control, warning they would report them to immigration authorities or publish humiliating videos online if they tried to escape or complain.

The rescued workers are now receiving support after suffering serious psychological effects including anxiety, insomnia and depression, according to investigators.

During the operation officers carried out four searches. In one property in Badajoz, police found large quantities of food stored in unsafe conditions, leading to an additional charge relating to public health.

Around €10,000 in cash and several documents linked to the operation were also seized.

Four people were arrested – three in Cadiz and one in Badajoz. Two of the suspected ringleaders have been remanded in custody.

Police say the coordinated operation has dismantled what they describe as a stable criminal structure operating across both provinces.

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.