Seven people have been arrested following a major international operation targeting a migrant smuggling network accused of transporting Algerian nationals into Spain using high-powered ‘taxi boats’.
The operation, dubbed Baron-Galon, was carried out by the Policia Nacional and Guardia Civil in collaboration with Europol and the French National Police.
Investigators believe the criminal organisation was responsible for facilitating the illegal arrival of migrants along the coasts of Murcia, Alicante and Almeria.
The suspects face charges of people smuggling, membership of a criminal organisation, smuggling offences and crimes against property.
Police say the group specialised in using so-called ‘pateras taxi’ – powerful rigid inflatable boats capable of quickly transporting migrants across the Mediterranean before landing them on Spanish beaches.
According to investigators, the network was based in Alicante province and had developed a sophisticated support structure to organise crossings.
Members allegedly supplied fuel, accommodation and transport for boat pilots, while also scouting coastal areas and identifying suitable landing points along Spain’s southeastern and southern coastline.
The organisation is also suspected of obtaining some of its vessels illegally.
Investigators believe several boats had been stolen in Spain and France, while others were acquired using forged documentation or fraudulent rental agreements.
Authorities say members of the network even monitored ports and marinas to identify boats that could be stolen and used in smuggling operations.
The investigation began in mid-2025 after police identified several Algerian nationals suspected of organising illegal migrant crossings into Spain.
As enquiries progressed, officers uncovered links stretching beyond Spain, particularly into France, where boats and vehicles were allegedly sourced before being used by the network.
The international dimension of the operation prompted close cooperation between Spanish and French authorities, coordinated through Europol.
During the latest phase of the investigation, officers carried out three searches – two in Alicante and one in Santa Pola.
Police seized documents, cash and multiple mobile phones believed to be linked to the alleged criminal operation.
Six of the arrests were made in Alicante province, while a seventh suspect was detained in the French city of Marseille.
The men arrested are aged between 25 and 40 and are reported to be Algerian and Libyan nationals.
Investigators have not ruled out further arrests as enquiries continue.
