The National Police have had some success in recent months in breaking up criminal organisations involved in human trafficking which have been forcing women (Nigerian) into prostitution. A focus of this police activity has been Playa de Palma.
As a result of these operations, the National Police have now broken up another gang. This one was specifically engaged in illegal immigration. Some women identified in those operations were obtaining residence permits through false marriages and marriages of convenience. In most instances these were marriages to men with financial problems, those with mental health issues, who were drug addicts or homeless. Payments of between 2,500 and 3,000 euros were made.
These particular women were entering into fictitious marriages having previously been denied residence permits.
The latest operation has resulted in 21 arrests - thirteen Spaniards and eight Nigerians - among them those who were running the gang. They are accused of forgery, belonging to a criminal organisation and facilitating illegal immigration.