National Police officers, working alongside the French National Police, the Belgian Federal Police, and customs enforcement officers from the Spanish Tax Agency, have dismantled a major international criminal network operating across Spain, Belgium, Algeria, Morocco, and France. The joint operation, coordinated by Europol and Eurojust, led to the arrest of 20 suspects, including 12 in the province of Alicante. Officers also seized boats, weapons, narcotics, cash, and substantial logistical equipment.
The investigation was launched in October 2022 following the tragic sinking of a migrant boat travelling from Algeria to Spain, which left 12 people missing in the Mediterranean Sea. Witness statements and extensive enquiries revealed a criminal organisation led by a family clan based in Belgium, which used Spain as a logistical hub for smuggling drugs and people between Algeria and Spain.
Migrants were recruited in Algeria and held in safe houses until sea conditions were favourable. Meanwhile, the cell based in Spain arranged boats, pilots, and fuel. Pilots departed from the Spanish coast, stopping at pre-selected points to load fuel canisters—a practice known as “petaqueo”—alongside narcotic substances supplied by the Belgian branch.
The network operated via two interdependent branches. The Belgian headquarters coordinated the southbound transport of synthetic drugs and cocaine using vehicles with hidden compartments. The Spanish branch, led by an individual currently imprisoned in Spain, managed the maritime route, maintained vessels, coordinated pilots, and ran stash houses in the province of Alicante. This branch deployed advanced security measures, including escort vehicles and surveillance systems to protect cargo and evade detection. The network also utilised collaborators in Algeria for recruitment and fund collection, Moroccan pilots who specialised in speedboats, and recruiters based in France, which served as a primary destination for many migrants.
The organisation charged migrants between 8,000 and 10,000 euro per person for the crossing. Investigators confirmed the smuggling of at least 400 migrants, generating nearly four million euro. Combined with synthetic drug profits, the network amassed an estimated eight million euro. The gang frequently used violence and firearms to maintain internal discipline and prevent drug robberies, or “rip-offs,” from rival syndicates.
The final phase of the operation was overseen by the Instruction Section of the Court of First Instance of Denia. Out of the 20 people arrested, 16 were detained in Spain—with four remanded in custody—and four in Belgium. Two main suspects were subject to Algerian extradition warrants for drug trafficking. Eleven search warrants were executed, including eight in the province of Alicante and three in Belgium.
Seizures included two high-powered speedboats, a pickup truck used for launching vessels, an outboard motor, 27 fuel canisters, and extensive maritime documentation. Police also recovered two firearms in Belgium, alongside a replica firearm and a long gun in Spain. Additionally, officers confiscated 1,179 grams of MDMA powder, five precision scales, 35 mobile phones, and €12,430 in cash.
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