Migrant smugglers are continuing to steal boats from luxury ports on Spain’s Costa del Sol and using them to traffic people across the Gibrlatar Strait, it has emerged.
It comes after the Policia Nacional received a report that a boat had been stolen from Sotogrande in the early hours of July 23.
The upmarket resort is filled with million-euro villas and is home to a wealthy British expat community.
Its polo club used to be regularly visited members of the British royal family, including princes William and Harry.
But over the past couple of years, it has become a target for migrant and drug smuggling gangs, who have stolen a number of boats to be used in their trafficking businesses.
The latest boat to be stolen last week was found dumped in Algeciras marina, some 30km up the coast, just hours after it was reported missing.
Initial investigations suggest the vessel could have been used for illegal human trafficking between North Africa and Spain.
The illegal activity has intensified in the Strait of Gibraltar during the summer months, when maritime conditions are more favourable for navigation.
Following the discovery, and after it was searched and inspected by police, the boat was returned to its rightful owner within 24 hours.
The owner expressed his gratitude for the swift action and the speedy recovery of his boat, the Policia Nacional said.
The investigation into who stole the boat continues.
Last September, a 20-year-old man linked to a boat-stealing network was arrested in Algeciras.
He was rumbled while driving a vessel stolen from the Costa del Sol packed with 19 migrants, despite the boat having a maximum capacity of six.
The heavy load forced an engine failure, leaving the group stranded at sea.
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