The investigation, which spanned several months, revealed that the criminal organisation had been operating in the province of Almería, Spain, coordinating the arrival of migrants from Algeria and their onward journey to France and other European countries.

In a series of coordinated raids across Almería, Roquetas de Mar, Vícar, and Adra, Spanish authorities, with Europol’s assistance, arrested nine suspects and seized a substantial amount of assets. The seized items included EUR 43 000 in cash, 61 kg of hashish, three high-powered engines, 30 vehicles, two large boats, bladed weapons and an air pistol, as well as various false documents. The network had invested over half a million euros in acquiring movable and immovable assets, which were used to facilitate their criminal activities.

Hierarchical structure and division of tasks

The criminal network, comprising Algerian, Moroccan, and Spanish nationals, was structured hierarchically with distinct groups assigned specific responsibilities. At the top of the hierarchy were the leaders, who oversaw the entire operation. Below them were administrators, responsible for coordinating the organisation’s members and the complex arrangements required for the smuggling activities. A supporting group handled logistics, provided cover, and ensured the security of the operations.

The network was divided into branches focusing on different aspects of the migrant smuggling journey. The first branch managed the initial leg of the journey, organising the departure of boats from Algeria and their arrival on the Spanish mainland. The second branch facilitated the onward travel of migrants from Spain to France and other European Union countries.

The network was well-equipped to support its operations and assist other criminal groups, having access to essential logistics such as fast boats, fuel, and skilled captains. To evade detection and hamper investigations, some members reported the boats used for smuggling activities as stolen, further complicating efforts by authorities to trace the illicit activities back to the perpetrators.

New Europol centre reinforces support against migrant smuggling.

Migrant smuggling remains a key criminal threat for the EU, requiring coordinated action across the entire criminal chain – from recruitment and transit, to the logistics or financial flows that sustain it. Europol supports investigations through a data-driven approach, enhancing cases provided by national authorities with operational analysis and expertise. Europol also facilitates information exchange and coordinates joint operations to disrupt criminal networks.

To strengthen Europol’s efforts to combat migrant smuggling, Regulation (EU) 2025/2611 was adopted in December 2025. This new EU legislation underscores the importance of addressing migrant smuggling at the EU level through enhanced cooperation, including the establishment of Europol’s European Centre Against Migrant Smuggling (ECAMS) in March 2026.

ECAMS ensures better systematic exchange of information and coordination of efforts. This includes strengthening expertise in OSINT and financial investigations, as well as enhancing the operational impact of the network of liaison officers from Frontex, Eurojust, and the Member States.