Spanish Police Dismantle Exploitative Network, Free 32 Women

Spanish law enforcement dismantled a criminal network that sexually exploited around 600 women, mainly from Venezuela and Colombia. The operation led to 26 arrests and freed 32 women. The network lured vulnerable women with false promises, tying them to debt-ridden contracts and exploitative conditions.

Twenty-six people were apprehended and 32 women were liberated in Spain after authorities dismantled a network that sexually exploited approximately 600 women, predominantly from Venezuela and Colombia, Spanish National Police stated on Tuesday.

The probe initiated last June after a victim's tip-off led to the arrests of nine individuals in Madrid, five in Malaga, and twelve in Toledo, according to a police statement. The arrests included the network's primary leaders.

The group recruited women in precarious situations by offering them promising wages of 5,000 euros (USD 5,400) a week with seemingly good working conditions. However, the women ended up entangled in contracts with debts ranging from 3,000 to 4,000 euros (USD 3,240 to USD 4,320) and forfeited rights to their images, which were used on adult platforms.

The victims were compelled to be available 24/7, maintain strict physical conditions, and faced fines for non-compliance. Additionally, they were required to provide drugs and medications to the clients. The police's announcement coincided with World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, highlighting the UN's estimate that over 50 million people globally could be trafficking victims.

(With inputs from agencies.)