A human trafficking network is accused of bringing Cuban migrants into Spain and coaching them on how to get regularised – including by pretending to lose their passports.

An operation led by the Policia Nacional has led to eight arrests, seven of them in Malaga province, including two alleged ringleaders.

According to investigators, the network helped around 40 Cuban migrants illegally enter Spain via a complex route stretching more than 4,000km across Europe.

Police said the migrants first flew to Belgrade before being transported by road through North Macedonia, Greece, Italy and France en route to Spain.

The arrests were carried out in Torremolinos, where six suspects were detained, as well as Alhaurin de la Torre and Zamora.

Those arrested are being investigated for alleged membership of a criminal organisation, facilitating illegal immigration, document forgery and money laundering.

The investigation began after witness statements revealed the organisation was offering Cuban nationals a so-called ‘travel package’ costing around €3,000.

According to police, the package included flights, invitation letters, medical insurance and hotel reservations.

Once in Serbia, migrants were allegedly received by members of the organisation based there before being moved by road towards North Macedonia and Greece, where they entered the Schengen zone.

From there, they continued across Europe until reaching Spain, where many intended to seek international protection or asylum.

Investigators claim the organisation deliberately exploited loopholes in European immigration systems.

Police allege migrants were instructed to report their passports as lost before applying for asylum in Spain, preventing authorities from identifying their original route into Europe through Serbian border stamps.

After obtaining replacement passports, migrants allegedly claimed during asylum interviews that they had only recently arrived in Spain.

Authorities also accuse the network of abandoning some migrants in North Macedonia, including minors, leaving them without food, hygiene or language support.

According to police, the group operated safe houses and overcrowded accommodation in Serbia where migrants were allegedly threatened and had their freedom of movement restricted.

Malaga reportedly served as the final stage of the route, where migrants were coached on how to regularise their immigration status in Spain.

Financial investigators identified at least 27 separate incidents of illegal immigration facilitation since 2021.

Police say the organisation used international money transfer services, payment apps and cryptocurrencies to receive payments and avoid financial tracking.

During the investigation, officers analysed 2,252 money transfers worth a combined €380,775.

In the final raids, police carried out four house searches and inspected a hospitality business in Malaga province.

Officers seized €9,070 in cash, 7,120 Cuban pesos, two imitation firearms, mobile phones, 24 bank cards and various documents.

Authorities also froze and blocked 28 bank accounts and financial products linked to the investigation.