Guardia Civil frees nine victims and arrests five for trafficking for sexual exploitation

January 5, 2026 2 Mins Read

In Torrevieja, the Guardia Civil liberated nine women who were victims of an alleged human trafficking crime for sexual exploitation. They also apprehended five individuals suspected of involvement, including four family members. The Guardia Civil says that the operation also shut down a bar and a hostel that were allegedly used to commit the crimes.

Two women who said they were victims of trafficking for sexual exploitation filed a complaint in June 2025, which led to the start of the investigation. Because the accusations were so serious, the Guardia Civil started Operation Torrealba, which focused its inquiry on two businesses in Torrevieja.

Working with non-governmental organisations

As part of the investigation, officers checked out a strip club and a hostel with the help of the non-governmental organisations Fiet and In Género, which help victims of trafficking in whatever way they can. These activities found new possible victims of sexual exploitation, which led to the inquiry becoming more intense because of the chance that they could be moved to other places.

At the end of November, simultaneous raids and searches were conducted at both places as a result of the investigation. During these raids, mobile phones, tech equipment, and various papers were taken for subsequent analysis.

After the police became involved, nine victims were liberated. Seven of them were found during the operation, and two were the original complainants who started the investigation.

Several of the people arrested have criminal backgrounds

Three men and two women, ages 22 to 51, were detained. They included the suspected ringleader and manager of the businesses, her brother, her son, her sister-in-law, and a man who worked as a security guard at the bar. The Guardia Civil says that some of those arrested had criminal records before. They are all accused of human trafficking, prostitution, and sexual exploitation.

The inmates were taken to the Court of Instruction of the Judicial District of Torrevieja, which ordered their release with conditions and the closing of the tavern and hostel.

Citizen Security units, the Torrevieja Main Post, the Valencian Government’s Labour Inspectorate, and two specialised NGOs all helped in the operation.