Europol supported a Spanish-led operation that dismantled a migrant-smuggling network between Algeria and Spain, leading to 9 arrests and asset seizures linked to its cross-border operations

The group ran a structured migrant-smuggling operation, organising irregular sea crossings from Algeria to Spain and coordinating onward movement into other EU countries, particularly France. It operated as a hierarchical criminal network with distinct roles for leaders, coordinators, logistics teams, and transport operators managing boat departures and arrivals. The network was primarily based in Almería in southern Spain and nearby towns including Roquetas de Mar, Vícar, and Adra. Coordinated law enforcement raids across multiple locations led to arrests and the seizure of boats, vehicles, cash…