In Operation Nautilita, the Guardia Civil detained 14 people and investigated another eight in an effort to dismantle a criminal organisation that facilitated irregular migration between Algeria and Spain. The network charged up to €7,000 per person and spent more than €1 million on high-speed vessels for the voyages.
The operation included eight residence searches in Almería, Murcia, Seville, and Alicante provinces. Officers seized 15 inflatable boats ranging in length from 7.5 to 8 meters and propelled by high-powered engines, as well as three more 300-horsepower engines, two hull moulds measuring 8 and 14 meters, two handguns, 133 cans of petrol and €68,115 cash.
Europol and European police services, including the French National Gendarmerie and the Italian Carabinieri, collaborated on the operation.
The inquiry began in May of last year, when agents identified an organised organisation in charge of all logistics, from fuel storage to the acquisition and production of high-speed watercraft known as “Go Fasts.” To do this, they established an international financial network using front businesses in France, through which they smuggled the revenues of their illegal activities into Spain.
A business-structured criminal network committed significant crimes
The network was structured, with clearly defined roles. There were sponsors, financiers, brokers, and facilitators from the maritime industry, as well as logistical members. Collaboration with maritime enterprises and shipyards enabled them to obtain the necessary equipment for the travels, posing a major risk to the migrants’ lives.
The inmates are accused of participating in a criminal organisation, money laundering, assisting illegal immigration, smuggling, and illegal firearm possession.
Author: Derek Appleton
Other Articles
Ryanair will cut one million seats due to Aena’s fare hike
No Comment! Be the first one.