SIX Algerian men have been arrested in Alicante province for running an illegal migrant taxi service between North Africa and Spain.

An additional person has been detained in Marseilles by French police.

All seven have been charged with people smuggling and violating the rights of foreign citizens.

The joint Guardia Civil- Policia Nacional probe in association with Europol started in mid-2025 and was codenamed Operation Baron-Galon.

Two addresses were searched in Alicante City and another in Santa Pola where documents, cash, and several mobile phones were seized.

The operation was aimed at tracking down several Algerian nationals who provided logistics and manpower for illegal migrant boats to land on the coasts of Alicante province, Murcia, and Almeria.

The gang used semi-rigid boats with high-powered engines to bring over migrants from North Africa- mainly Algeria.

EARLY-MORNING SWOOP

Investigations uncovered that the fleet was totally illegal with some craft stolen in Spain and France, while the rest had been acquired through fake identities and rental contracts.

The network had members dedicated to logistical tasks, providing fuel, accommodation and monitoring the movements of vessel captains.

They also watched ports and marinas, where they found boats to steal which were suitable for their clandestine service.

The crew also chose and guarded ‘safe places’ where the boats could land after their journey from North Africa.

SUSPECT ARREST

The gang also had an international aspect- mainly in France- where boats and vehicles were also obtained for later use in Spain.

The criminal organisation’s structure meant it was necessary for the Guardia Civil and Policia Nacional to coordinate with their European colleagues via Europol.

Authorities said that their investigations are still on-going.
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