National Police officers, working in a joint investigation with French authorities, have dismantled a criminal organisation based in Alicante that was allegedly dedicated to facilitating irregular migration between Spain and France.
The network is believed to have carried out more than 20 illicit migrant transfers between the two countries. The investigation culminated in the arrest of the main suspect while attempting to cross the border transporting several irregular migrants. This action allowed authorities to dismantle the three-member network, two of whom are currently in provisional prison, which had generated an estimated profit of around 100,000 euro from the illegal activities.
The probe began following information supplied by French authorities, who had detected numerous border crossings by a vehicle linked to the main suspect. Following this notification, officers carried out various enquiries that identified new means used by the organisation and confirmed repeated trips consistent with the illicit transfer of migrants.
Investigations established that between May and June, the main suspect completed at least seven trips in another vehicle using the same route, starting in Alicante and ending in France, entering the neighbouring country via the La Junquera-Le Perthus border crossing. Analysing travel patterns and maintaining a constant exchange of information between both countries proved crucial in determining that the network had completed more than 20 irregular border transfers.
The police coordination between Spain and France enabled the arrest of the main suspect in French territory while transporting irregular migrants. This action led French authorities to issue a European Investigation Order to search the main suspect’s home and obtain financial information.
In response to the request, officers executed a search of the suspect’s residence in Alicante within under 72 hours of receiving the order. During the property search, officers seized 3,190 euro in cash, personal and vehicle documentation, a pack of business cards offering taxi services with the phone number used by the suspect, and a set of keys for another vehicle he owned.
The investigation has dismantled a three-person criminal network, with two members presently held in provisional prison. The suspects allegedly charged 200 euro per migrant moved between Spain and France, carrying between five and six people on each trip. Officers estimate the group amassed profits close to 100,000 euro, whilst the ongoing analysis of four bank accounts belonging to the suspects will help determine the total financial scope of the criminal enterprise.National Police officers, working in a joint investigation with French authorities, have dismantled a criminal organisation based in Alicante that was allegedly dedicated to facilitating irregular migration between Spain and France.
The network is believed to have carried out more than 20 illicit migrant transfers between the two countries. The investigation culminated in the arrest of the main suspect while attempting to cross the border transporting several irregular migrants. This action allowed authorities to dismantle the three-member network, two of whom are currently in provisional prison, which had generated an estimated profit of around 100,000 euro from the illegal activity.
The probe began following information supplied by French authorities, who had detected numerous border crossings by a vehicle linked to the main suspect. Following this notification, officers carried out various enquiries that identified new means used by the organisation and confirmed repeated trips consistent with the illicit transfer of migrants.
Investigations established that between May and June, the main suspect completed at least seven trips in another vehicle using the same route, starting in Alicante and ending in France, entering the neighbouring country via the La Junquera-Le Perthus border crossing. Analysing travel patterns and maintaining a constant exchange of information between both countries proved crucial in determining that the network had completed more than 20 irregular border transfers.
The police coordination between Spain and France enabled the arrest of the main suspect in French territory while transporting irregular migrants. This action led French authorities to issue a European Investigation Order to search the main suspect’s home and obtain financial information.
In response to the request, officers executed a search of the suspect’s residence in Alicante within under 72 hours of receiving the order. During the property search, officers seized 3,190 euro in cash, personal and vehicle documentation, a pack of business cards offering taxi services with the phone number used by the suspect, and a set of keys for another vehicle he owned.
The investigation has dismantled a three-person criminal network, with two members presently held in provisional prison. The suspects allegedly charged 200 euro per migrant moved between Spain and France, carrying between five and six people on each trip. Officers estimate the group amassed profits close to 100,000 euro, whilst the ongoing analysis of four bank accounts belonging to the suspects will help determine the total financial scope of the criminal enterprise.
