A major police operation against eastern European "mafias" operating in Majorca took place on Monday. Officers from the Guardia Civil's intelligence unit and public safety command together with agents from Interpol targeted fraud and money laundering by Russian and Georgian gangs.
Thirty officers from the public safety command undertook raids on two properties - one in the centre of Palma and the other in Santa Ponsa. Having secured the premises the intelligence unit took over: it specialises in mafias and extremist groups and was accompanied by foreign police and translators.
In Palma's calle Eivissa, two Georgians were arrested at an apartment at number 8. A father and son, they are accused of fraud and money laundering. At the Santa Ponsa property several other people were arrested.
The operation in Majorca was mirrored by one in Malaga. This led to a total of six arrests in Malaga and Majorca. Meanwhile, four others have been arrested in the Czech Republic. Three European arrest warrants have also been issued.
The main activities of this organisation consisted of the distribution of goods to various contraband, using Belgium as the hub.