An illegal brothel empire worth more than €7million has been brought down on the Costa del Sol.

The Policia Nacional said it had dismantled an alleged criminal organisation that sexually exploited women in Marbella and Benalmadena following an investigation that lasted almost a year.

A total of 22 people have been arrested on suspicion of offences including membership of a criminal organisation, prostitution-related crimes, drug trafficking, money laundering and labour law violations.

The operation resulted in the seizure of around €300,000 in cash, the freezing of €1.1million held in bank accounts and the blocking of property assets worth more than €6.5million.

The investigation began in August 2025 after police received information about two luxury villas in Marbella and Benalmadena where women were allegedly being exploited for prostitution and where drugs were also reportedly being supplied.

According to investigators, the properties were among the most active high-end brothels on the Costa del Sol, allegedly offering what police described as a ‘triple service’ of sexual services, drugs and discretion.

Clients were said to include wealthy individuals, with some exclusive private services also available.

Police say they gathered evidence showing the existence of a structured criminal network led by a 72-year-old woman and several of her children.

Investigators allege the organisation generated substantial profits through the sexual exploitation of women and the sale of illegal drugs.

The day-to-day running of the properties was reportedly overseen by women known as ‘mamis’, who supervised other women working at the premises while remaining under the direction of the family leadership.

According to police, the women worked under restrictive conditions, with long hours, limited time off and constant availability requirements.

Investigators also allege that certain sexual services were compulsory and that different rooms were marketed according to the services provided.

Authorities claim earnings were managed through a ticket-based system, with payments to the women allegedly delayed to create financial dependence and discourage them from leaving the properties.

Investigators also identified individuals allegedly responsible for acquiring and supplying drugs to both workers and clients.

The organisation is further accused of maintaining strict surveillance over the properties through an extensive network of security cameras covering both the interior and exterior of the villas.

Police said the premises were disguised as tourist accommodation in an effort to conceal their true activity.

The owners of the properties now face separate administrative proceedings linked to tourist accommodation regulations.

The operation, named Operation Gavage, culminated in a series of searches at properties in Marbella and Benalmadena.

Officers located 29 women believed to be victims of the network and arrested 22 suspects, including six members of the same family.

During the raids, police seized a range of drugs, including 53 grams of cocaine, doses of tusi, 17 grams of marijuana, 75 grams of hashish and seven bottles of nitrous oxide gas.

Officers also recovered sexual enhancement products, including around 100 sachets containing sildenafil and several containers of testosterone cypionate.

Authorities additionally seized luxury vehicles valued at approximately €383,000, along with jewellery and watches that are still being assessed.

Financial investigators also froze bank accounts containing €1.1 million and blocked real estate assets valued at more than €6.5 million.

Police said they uncovered evidence suggesting the organisation had been carrying out financial transactions involving Dubai.

Specialist police units, including tactical officers and canine teams trained to detect drugs and hidden cash, took part in the operation.

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.