A major police operation has dismantled a criminal network accused of trafficking Chinese women into Spain for sexual exploitation across the Costa del Sol, Cadiz and Sevilla.
The operation, carried out by the Policia Nacional last week, led to the arrest of eight suspects, including the alleged ringleader, known as the ‘madame’, and the rescue of 11 women who officers say were being forced into prostitution.
More than 50 officers took part in coordinated raids on properties in Marbella, Estepona, Los Barrios and Dos Hermanas.
Investigators seized almost €100,000 in cash believed to be proceeds from the operation, while also freezing 22 bank accounts. One of the accounts reportedly contained around €120,000.
Police also confiscated assets worth approximately €70,000, bringing the total value of frozen funds and seized property to almost €900,000.
Tricked into travelling from China
According to investigators, the women were recruited in China through deception before being transported to Spain.
The trafficking network allegedly paid for their flights and travel expenses, creating debts that the victims were then forced to repay through prostitution once they arrived.
Police say the women were distributed between apartments and massage parlours across the Costa del Sol, Campo de Gibraltar and Sevilla province.
To maximise profits, the victims were regularly moved between locations and advertised online through specialist prostitution websites. Members of the organisation allegedly managed appointments, handled customer bookings and controlled the premises where the women were exploited.
Constant surveillance
Officers described the women’s living conditions as unsanitary and highly restrictive.
According to police, the victims were largely isolated from the outside world and could only leave properties when accompanied by members of the criminal network.
Investigators say the women were monitored around the clock through a network of security cameras that could be accessed remotely by the gang’s leader.
The organisation also operated several massage centres that outwardly appeared to be legitimate businesses.
Behind the façade, police allege the premises were being used for sexual exploitation, with some women forced to sleep at the establishments where they worked.
Authorities described the conditions as ‘semi-slavery’.
Ongoing fight against trafficking networks
The latest operation is one of several major anti-trafficking investigations carried out on the Costa del Sol in recent years.
Police say organised criminal groups continue to target vulnerable women from overseas, often luring them to Spain with false promises of work before trapping them in debt and forcing them into prostitution.
The eight suspects remain under investigation on offences linked to human trafficking, sexual exploitation, membership of a criminal organisation and money laundering. Further arrests have not been ruled out.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
