Spanish Civil Guard frees 25 trafficked women in Ibiza and arrests four suspects

On October 5, the Civil Guard’s Crimes Against Persons unit executed the “Gecaroni” operation in Ibiza, freeing 25 women between 18 and 25 years old, most of them from Venezuela, after they were lured with nonexistent hospitality or manicure jobs. Once in Spain, the gang seized their belongings, imposed a €5,000 “debt,” and compelled them to provide sexual services while exploiting their irregular immigration status. The raids uncovered surveillance systems, recovered roughly €120,000 in cash believed to be proceeds of sexual exploitation and drug sales, and resulted in four arrests for forced prostitution, drug trafficking and money laundering.

Victims were kept under strict control and monitored via video equipment in properties across the Platja d'en Bossa district. Investigators also linked the network to the sale of “sexual enhancers” and narcotics, which financed luxury homes and vehicles for its members.