Spain frees 27 foreign women from sexual exploitation network

Spanish police and customs officers have dismantled a criminal organisation involved in human trafficking for sexual exploitation, freeing 27 foreign women who were forced into prostitution in nightclubs in southern Tenerife.

Some of the victims were minors, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Spanish National Police.

Preliminary findings indicate that the criminal network and the nightclubs were run by a couple based in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The suspects reportedly recruited women from South American countries, targeting those from vulnerable and impoverished backgrounds. The women were promised jobs as dancers and a better life before being taken to Spain.

Upon arrival in Europe, the victims were informed that they had accumulated debts to the organisation and were forced to repay them through prostitution. Investigators said the women were pressured into drug use or were given illegal substances to prevent resistance.

During the operation, law enforcement authorities carried out searches at seven residential properties, three nightclubs and one office on Tenerife. They seized documents, €90,000 in cash, a luxury car, high-end watches, jewellery and a large number of mobile phones.

Authorities believe the suspects amassed significant profits through the exploitation network. The investigation is ongoing.

By Vugar Khalilov