The Policía Nacional busted a people-smuggling gang, arresting three of their number in Motril, amongst them the ring leader.
The gang was well established both in Morocco and Spain, in which each member had a specific roll. They are thought to have smuggled at least 70 persons.
They also had 15 illegals held against their will in two flats in Motril during at least two months until their families paid 50,000 dirhams.
Investigations began in January this year when officers from Almeria got wind of its existence. Based mainly in the city of Granada. When the illegals arrived in Spain by sea after being rescued and then processed, the gang would get in touch with them to organise accommodation in Torrenueva.
Once there they were held against their will until their families paid 50,000 dirams for each person held.
The police decided to move in when they discovered that the ring leader was planning to leave Spain and return to Morocco for a period of several months.
The flat raid bagged 8,749 euros in cash and documentation, which the police estimate showed that the gang ‘moved’ at least 70 people.
(News: Motril, Costa Tropical, Granada, Andalucia)