Transnational human trafficking network dismantled in joint operation

Madrid.- In a coordinated effort, the Dominican Republic’s National Police, alongside Ameripol, Interpol, Brazil’s Federal Police, and Madrid’s Municipal Police, dismantled a transnational human trafficking network smuggling Dominicans into Spain. The operation led to 36 arrests, including two in the Dominican Republic. The network used the “look-alike” method, employing legitimate passports from Spanish-naturalized Dominicans with similar physical features to the migrants.

Investigations revealed that the organization transported passports from Spain to the Dominican Republic, charging migrants approximately €5,000 for the documents, airfare, and accommodations in transit countries like Brazil. Raids in Madrid uncovered passports, forged identity cards, drugs, cash, and led to the arrest of the network’s leaders, who are now in provisional custody.

The operation, launched in October 2023, was informed by intelligence from Ameripol’s anti-trafficking center in Brazil. Authorities in the Dominican Republic pledged to bring those involved to justice while reiterating their commitment to combating organized crime and safeguarding migrant rights through international cooperation.