Police dismantle human trafficking network in Tenerife
The National Police have broken up a criminal organisation in Tenerife dedicated to human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and coercive prostitution. The operation was centred in Puerto de la Cruz and led to the release of two victims and the arrest of three suspects.
According to a statement from the National Police, the group was led by three women who allegedly arranged for victims to be transferred from Venezuela to Spain with the promise of work, only to sexually exploit them once they arrived.
The investigation began in January this year and intensified after one of the suspects attempted to leave the country from Tenerife Sur Airport, where she was detained. The other two women fled to mainland Spain but were later tracked down and arrested in Segovia.
Police carried out searches at two properties, one in Puerto de la Cruz, where prostitution activities were taking place, and another in Segovia, where two of the suspects were living. Officers seized computer equipment and documents linked to the investigation.
Following their appearance in court, two of the women were remanded in custody, while the third was released on charges pending further proceedings.
In recent months, several high-profile trafficking busts have taken place. Most recently, in May, a criminal ring operating in Playa de las Américas, Tenerife, linked to forced prostitution, sexual exploitation, and drug trafficking, was dismantled; five people were arrested and 14 women were identified as victims, six of whom were confirmed as trafficked and offered specialist support.
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