Spanish and French police arrested 78 suspects in June as part of a large-scale investigation into a major smuggling network operating between Spain and Algeria, Europol announced on Friday. The network, which has links to Belgium, was involved in the smuggling of people, weapons and drugs.
The suspects, most of whom are of Algerian origin, have links to criminal groups in Belgium, as well as in France, Italy, Poland and Portugal.
The network operated as a logistics service provider, mainly from various locations in Spain. However, the ringleaders are believed to be based in Belgium and France.
During the large-scale operation, searches were carried out at 17 locations in Spain. Among other things, speedboats, drugs and more than €25,000 in cash were seized.
The smuggling network transported synthetic drugs from France and Spain to Algeria. Migrants, drugs and weapons were transported on the return journey.
The network may also be linked to a range of other criminal activities, including violent robberies, extortion and money laundering.
