Spain Dismantles Child Trafficking Ring Smuggling Minors to France
Spanish police have successfully dismantled a sophisticated criminal network involved in trafficking migrant minors from the Canary Islands to France. The operation resulted in the arrest of 11 individuals across Lanzarote, Madrid, and Gran Canaria, authorities announced on Thursday.
The investigation was launched following the disappearance of 14 minors from youth care centres located on Lanzarote and Gran Canaria between late 2024 and mid-2025, according to Spain's National Police.
In May 2025, officers at Lanzarote airport apprehended a Mauritanian national attempting to board a flight to Madrid with three individuals who appeared to be minors. Subsequent investigation revealed that the minors were under the care of a youth center. The man was arrested along with one of the alleged minors, who was found to be of legal age.
The investigation uncovered a well-organized network with logistical support in Morocco, contacts in the Ivory Coast for forging documents, and safe houses in Spain to temporarily accommodate the minors before their transfer to France. Raids on two homes in Lanzarote led to the seizure of documents, electronic devices, and cash.
Details of the Arrests and Charges
Nine suspects were arrested in Lanzarote, with one arrest each in Madrid and Gran Canaria. They are facing charges including document forgery, child abduction, involvement in a criminal organization, and child pornography. Police are continuing their search for the missing minors.
International Links
Police investigations suggest the group used specific routes and contacts in Morocco, Ivory Coast, and Spain to facilitate the children's movement and provide them with fake documents for their transfer to France. The investigation remains open as authorities work to locate the missing minors and trace international links.
The suspects are facing serious charges, highlighting the severity of child trafficking and the commitment of Spanish authorities to combat such crimes. The investigation is ongoing and aims to uncover further details about the network and its operations.