International criminal cell dismantled in Fuerteventura for Atlantic migrant trafficking

The National Police has dismantled in Fuerteventura a cell of an international criminal organization dedicated to migrant trafficking on the Atlantic route, as part of an operation carried out between June and October of this year.

The network, based in Morocco, operated from the areas of Tan Tan and El Aaiún, and had a hierarchical structure, logistical resources and its own vessels used to transport people irregularly to the Canary coasts.

The operation resulted in the arrest of the cell’s main leader on the island, who is accused of alleged crimes of membership in a criminal organization, homicide, serious threats, facilitation of illegal immigration and failure to render assistance.

According to police sources, the investigation confirmed the link between this action and another operation carried out in April 2025, in which another member of the same network was detained and is currently in pre‑trial detention. Both individuals maintained a close personal and operational relationship, which allowed authorities to confirm their belonging to the same transnational criminal structure.

The National Police highlights that this organization managed a significant share of irregular boat departures to the Canary Islands, using highly dangerous routes that placed migrants’ lives at grave risk.

The investigation, led by agents specialized in combating illegal immigration, remains open and further arrests are not ruled out, thanks to ongoing international cooperation with Moroccan authorities.

With this operation, the National Police reinforces its commitment to the fight against criminal networks involved in human trafficking and to the protection of human lives threatened by these organizations.