New Migration Route Uncovered in Major Operation
A recent international crackdown has revealed a new migration route exploited by a criminal network to smuggle migrants from Morocco and Algeria to the UK, before ultimately transporting them to Spain for settlement.
Details of the Operation
The dismantled criminal network successfully executed 68 operations, trafficking at least 500 individuals, charging between €350 and €1,500, depending on the route and destination of each migrant. Investigations, initiated in 2023, uncovered the use of an unconventional route, wherein migrants were transported from Morocco to the UK as tourists. Before their visas expired, they were smuggled under inhumane conditions across the English Channel to France.
Once in France, the migrants were hidden in apartments for a period before being covertly moved in trucks to Spain, which serves as the final destination for the network. Many of these individuals, including minors, were reportedly forced to work in agricultural fields.
Overland Route
In addition to air and maritime routes, the network also employed a land route originating from Almería and Murcia to transport victims. They were concealed in trucks and closed vehicles equipped with secret compartments, lacking ventilation or security measures, and deprived of food and water.
Successful operations were largely attributed to disguising migrants as cargo or simulating furniture transport to evade border inspections. The network reportedly generated profits exceeding €500,000, operating with advanced logistical capabilities, a hierarchical structure, and connections across several countries, including Spain, France, Belgium, the UK, and Morocco.
Dismantling the Network
The operation concluded with the arrest of seven key members of the network—four in Spain and three in France. Authorities seized €42,335 in cash, £2,180, 10,690 Moroccan dirhams, three vehicles, mobile phones, and documents related to payments, accounts, and communications.
