The National Police initiated an operation at the start of March aimed at combating illegal immigration and human trafficking. This inquiry resulted in the apprehension of a 55-year-old Spanish national for the alleged offences of facilitating illegal immigration, human trafficking, and bodily harm, all while having a background in drug trafficking.
The operation was prompted by the arrival of a young woman of Ethiopian descent who sought assistance in the southern region of Tenerife after escaping from a sailboat that had docked unexpectedly at the port of Los Gigantes, within the municipality of Santiago del Teide. The victim, undocumented and in a precarious situation, reported being held on the sailboat against her will and compelled to work without pay, in addition to suffering alleged physical and sexual assaults.
Investigations revealed that the young woman had fled an armed conflict in Ethiopia and had fallen into the hands of a criminal gang involved in human trafficking. Following her journey from her home country to Mauritania, she was subsequently taken to the Cabo Verde archipelago, from where she was placed on the aforementioned sailboat under the suspect’s control, who allegedly exploited her situation to make her work during the voyage.
The vessel, which had an initial destination of the Caribbean, was compelled to dock in Tenerife due to damage caused by adverse weather conditions. It was at this point that the victim managed to flee, prompting local police officers from Santiago del Teide to locate her and transfer her to hospital for medical assistance.
A criminal organisation engaged in human trafficking
Following the initiation of the investigation, the path taken by the suspect was retraced as he attempted to evade capture by hiding in remote coves along the Tenerife coastline. Ultimately, the sailboat was wrecked at Socorro beach (Güimar), and the media attention surrounding this incident enabled the authorities to locate the suspect, who was subsequently arrested in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and brought before a judge.
The injured party has been referred, as a victim of human trafficking and facilitation of illegal immigration, to the support network of the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migrations, where she is receiving specialised care for recovery and protection.
The National Police is continuing its investigations to identify any additional individuals who may be involved in this case.
Public Collaboration
The National Police expressed appreciation and wishes to remind citizens that they can assist, anonymously if preferred, if they possess knowledge, information, or suspicions regarding activities linked to human trafficking. Victims may also reach out via the Telephone 900 10 50 90 or through the email trafficking@policía.es, where details will be treated confidentially by specialists within the National Police.
