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Spain Dismantles Two Sex-Trafficking Rings in BarcelonaMarbella and Cádiz

Multi-agency raids uncovered brothels posing as beauty salons that also sold drugs.

Overview

  • Police in Barcelona and Marbella arrested eight suspects, with five ordered to provisional prison, after identifying 21 trafficked women and freeing 18 during coordinated searches of five sites.
  • Investigators report the ring imposed €6,000 debts, seized 50% of earnings, enforced 24/7 availability under camera surveillance, and used violent punishments including locking victims in rooms without basic necessities.
  • The BarcelonaMarbella operation seized €44,455 in cash, about 100 grams of cocaine, over 10 kilograms of marijuana, electronics and a luxury watch, and authorities blocked the network’s financial assets.
  • In a separate action in Chiclana de la Frontera, National Police detained four people linked by family ties, confirmed 15 victims, and found extensive video surveillance alongside degrading living conditions.
  • The Cádiz case yielded €28,000 in cash, air guns and accounting records that point to high illegal revenues, and officials say victim counts could rise as inquiries continue.