Police have arrested nineteen people involved in two organisations bringing young girls from Rumania to work as prostitutes in Junquera, Girona.
The girls were enticed by offers of genuine employment in Spain but once in the country were forced to work as prostitutes, being controlled by violence, intimidation and even fingerprint scanners.
So far, around 215 victims have been identified. Raids on a number of homes have resulted in the seizure of firearms, luxury cars, jewellery and cash.
The investigation led to the discovery of a number of ‘front companies’ used to launder proceeds and with capital exceeding €11.5 million and numerous properties.
While one group controlled things in Junquera, another group ensured the recruitment of the girls in the Rumanian region of Braila.
The leader of the organisation travelled with a bodyguard and enjoyed great respect amongst other similar organisations and led an extravagant lifestyle, frequenting casinos and spending large amounts of money on a daily basis.