In a crackdown on a suspected human trafficking ring, Spanish police have apprehended 48 individuals. The operation, aimed at dismantling a network believed to have brought over 1,000 women into the country for sex work, involved coordinated raids across Alicante and Murcia in southeastern Spain, as detailed in a Sunday statement by the Policia Nacional.

The operation uncovered evidence suggesting the victims, primarily from Venezuela and Colombia, were promised beauty or cleaning jobs upon arrival in Spain. Instead, they found themselves coerced into the sex trade, with their movements restricted and monitored through video surveillance. According to authorities, these individuals were confined to clubs for all hours, only allowed out for a brief two-hour period daily.

Seizures during the raids amounted to 150,000 euros in cash and bank accounts totaling 938,000 euros. Additionally, three strip clubs were shut down as part of the operation. Of the suspects, six were remanded in custody, while the rest were released on bail, awaiting their court appearances.

This operation highlights the ongoing battle against human trafficking, shedding light on the deceptive tactics used by traffickers to exploit vulnerable individuals.

Source: https://news.sky.com/story/spanish-police-arrest-48-over-suspected-human-trafficking-ring-13315531