Spanish Police Bust Migrant Trafficking Ring Operating Across Strait of Gibraltar

The accused, members of a criminal organization specialized in the trafficking of adult or minor Moroccan migrants, were arrested on Wednesday, October 6, according to a statement from the Ceuta police. Their modus operandi was to offer migrants the facilitation of the crossing of the Strait of Gibraltar and to take them to Algeciras (Cadiz) for a sum ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 euros.

To read: Moroccan Smugglers Arrested in Spanish Enclave of Melilla for Human Trafficking

In their maneuver, the forgers make "national identity documents with photos of Ceuta residents with whom they have a strong physical resemblance" for their clients, in order to allow them to bypass the controls at the heliport and the maritime station of the autonomous city, informs La Opinion de Malaga.

To read: Spanish Police Arrest 16 in Migrant Smuggling Operation off Almeria Coast

The activities of this network, "very active since 2020", have decreased "very likely due to the mobility restrictions related to the health crisis which require justifying departures from Ceuta to the mainland," specifies the armed institute, adding that the accused who use pleasure boats for the transport of migrants, would be linked to the sinking of several migrants in September.