Overview
- Spanish National Police say they dismantled two connected networks that moved people by sea between North Africa and Andalusia, arresting 24 suspects and placing 14 in provisional custody.
- Officers seized 23 boats, €80,885 in cash, about 1,175 liters of fuel, satellite phones, GPS trackers, a signal jammer, firearms and a drone.
- The investigation, supported by Europol and France’s office that targets migrant smuggling, also turned up about a tonne of hookah tobacco and 25 kilos of marijuana linked to the groups.
- Police report the rings supplied boats, engines and storage to other gangs, stole outboard motors from court impounds, and ran up to 38 semi‑rigid boat trips carrying 20 to 25 people for €10,000 to €15,000 per person.
- The case began in October 2024 after a small boat with 24 people was found off Almería, and officials say the takedown targets the logistics that enable dangerous crossings.