This is the moment a major migrant smuggling mafia was dismantled after bringing more than 2,000 people to Spain illegally.
At least 78 suspects have been arrested in the joint investigation spanning Spain, France, Portugal and Poland, with authorities seizing drugs, weapons, high-powered speedboats and large amounts of cash.
Investigators claim the gang earned more than €24million by transporting migrants from Algeria to Spain before using the same boats to smuggle synthetic drugs back across the Mediterranean.
Luxury speedboats used for drugs and migrant crossings
In a statement, the Guardia Civil said the gang operated a sophisticated ‘two-way’ smuggling operation.
Powerful speedboats first carried drugs, including MDMA, from Spain to Algeria, where synthetic narcotics are in high demand.
On the return journey, the vessels were packed with migrants destined for the Spanish coasts of Almeria, Murcia, Cartagena, Alicante and Ibiza.
Police say migrants were charged up to €12,000 per person, with some crossings carrying as many as 50 people, generating enormous profits for the criminal organisation.
The crossings were described as extremely dangerous, with migrants crammed into high-speed boats travelling at night, often in rough seas and without life jackets.
In some cases, investigators say passengers were even tied down to stop them falling overboard.
Largest Algerian smuggling network uncovered
The investigation began in 2023 and identified what authorities describe as the largest Algerian criminal network dedicated to migrant smuggling ever uncovered in the western Mediterranean.
The organisation operated through cells based in Andalucia, Murcia, the Valencian Community and the Balearic Islands, with additional links in France, Portugal, Italy and Poland.
Police say the network was led by a single kingpin who financed operations, supplied weapons and drugs, and oversaw the distribution of illegal cargo across North Africa.
The gang was allegedly organised into three levels, with senior leaders overseeing operations, pilots and transport coordinators managing crossings, and lower-ranking members responsible for recruitment, logistics, fuel supplies, surveillance, money laundering and other support roles.
Extreme violence and links to organised crime
The Guardia Civil said the organisation used intimidation and extreme violence to control both its own members and the migrants under its control.
The group allegedly carried out kidnappings, assaults, death threats and extortion, while maintaining contacts with organised crime groups including the Mocro Maffia and the Marseille underworld.
Members were reportedly instructed to confront Spanish police if necessary in order to protect the gang’s fleet of high-value speedboats.
18 boats and thousands of ecstasy pills seized
During the operation, officers carried out 17 searches across Almeria, Murcia, Cartagena and Alicante.
Among the items seized were 18 high-powered speedboats worth more than €5million, 15,000 MDMA tablets, 61kg of hashish, 500g of cocaine, 40g of methamphetamine, a revolver, ammunition, satellite communications equipment, GPS devices, 725 litres of petrol, four vehicles and €26,675 in cash.
Police also froze bank accounts, properties and vehicles linked to senior members of the network.
Arrests across Spain
A total of 78 people were arrested, including 36 in Almeria, 13 in Murcia, 11 in Alicante, six in Ibiza, two each in Cartagena, Palma de Mallorca and Palencia, and one each in Huelva, Cordoba, Sevilla, Lugo, A Coruna and Algeria.
Those arrested face a wide range of charges, including membership of a criminal organisation, people smuggling, drug trafficking, arms trafficking, money laundering, illegal fuel transportation, kidnapping, extortion, threats and smuggling offences.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
