In a police operation coordinated from Málaga, a total of 32 people have so far been detained in connection with the introduction into various EU member states of illegal immigrants from the Ukraine who were then either exploited for labour or for sexual purposes.
It is thought that the network introduced at least 3,500 Ukranians into various parts of the EU for exploitation.
The arrests have taken place in Spain (14), Portugal (8), Hungary (6), Poland (2), Italy (1) and Slovakia (1). All have been accused of crimes against the rights of foreign nationals, conspiracy and trafficking for labour and sexual exploitation.
In addition to these detentions, another 38 people have been arrested on criminal charges and 33 more have been arrested on charges of illegal residence. Over 200 police officers were involved in the operation.
Most of the Ukranians arrived in their destination using short-term tourist visas, and were tricked into believing that it would then be straightforward and easy to obtain legal residence and work permits. The charge for this ‘service’ was between €2,500 and €3,000.
Others were literally smuggled into various countries, hidden in lorries or vans, these people also paying for the privilege. It was not unknown for the newcomers to be locked in apartments until they had paid all their ‘fees’.