Criminal network smuggling migrants to the Canaries discovered in Fuerteventura
The National Police have uncovered the Spanish arm of an international criminal network involved in the illegal trafficking of migrants from Morocco to the Canary Islands via the dangerous Atlantic route.
The operation, codenamed “Náufrago” (Castaway), was led by officers from the Foreigners and Borders Brigade in Puerto del Rosario (Fuerteventura). It followed the discovery of two migrants who had survived a recent crossing and agreed to cooperate with investigators under witness protection.
Their testimony helped identify a Moroccan national residing in Fuerteventura, directly linked to the leadership of the organisation based in Tan-Tan and El Aaiún, in southern Morocco.
Police described the network as “violent, structured and hierarchical”, composed mainly of Moroccans with clearly defined roles including recruitment, transport, payments, logistics, piloting, and control. The group reportedly operated with off-road vehicles, inflatable boats, and firearms, enabling them to carry out several illegal operations simultaneously.
According to witness statements, migrants were forced to travel without life jackets or safety equipment and were subjected to violence, threats, and degrading treatment. One survivor told police that the main suspect in Spain threw three migrants overboard during a crossing, who remain missing, and physically assaulted others on board. Another witness identified the same man as both the skipper of the boat and the collector of payments from migrants.
Investigators also linked this case to a previous April 2025 police operation, in which another member of the same organisation was arrested and remains in custody.
The final phase of the operation took place on 8th and 9th October in Puerto del Rosario, when officers arrested the 22-year-old Moroccan suspect, believed to be the organisation’s key figure in Spain. He faces multiple charges, including belonging to a criminal organisation, facilitating illegal immigration, homicide, serious threats, and failure to assist persons in danger.
After appearing before a judge, the suspect was remanded in custody.
Police have confirmed that with this latest operation, they have “completely dismantled the Spanish cell” of a major transnational criminal organisation responsible for smuggling migrants across the Atlantic to the Canary Islands.
Share:
