The Guardia Civil has successfully rescued eleven women who were being exploited in a forced prostitution ring operating out of a residence in Lanzarote. The operation led to the arrest of seven individuals and included searches in Getafe (Madrid), Elche (Alicante), and Arrecife.

The women, most of whom were from Colombia, were misled with promises of a better life in Spain. Upon arrival, they were coerced into prostitution to repay supposed debts to the criminal network that brought them to the country, according to a statement from the Dirección General de la Guardia Civil.

A parallel investigation is ongoing with Colombian authorities to apprehend those responsible for recruiting these women, often targeting those in vulnerable situations.

Details of Operation Guacatal and Charges

The investigation, named Operation Guacatal, was overseen by the Juzgado de Instrucción número 2 de Arrecife. It resulted in the disruption of an international trafficking organization, with seven suspects facing charges of human trafficking for sexual exploitation, participation in a criminal organization, and money laundering.

The criminal group facilitated all necessary expenses and arrangements for bringing the victims from abroad, as well as from within Spain, to Lanzarote.

Coercion and Control Mechanisms

The victims were prepped on how to handle potential police encounters and had their passports confiscated upon arrival. They were forced to sign contracts falsely labeling their situation as renting shared rooms, which was a method to evade detection during any inspections.

The organization imposed fabricated debts on the women, demanding repayment through sexual services, often with substantial interest. The women had no freedom of movement and were required to be available for sexual activities at all times, facing severe fines for non-compliance, including during illness.

The group maintained control through a comprehensive video surveillance system. The women were also forced to consume drugs if requested by clients and were subjected to photo shoots for advertisements on websites promoting sexual services.

Investigation Progress and Seizures

After a year-long investigation, the Guardia Civil's Unidad Central Operativa (UCO) confirmed the existence of this trafficking ring, which had connections in Getafe, Elche, Arrecife, and Cali, Colombia. European Investigation Orders were issued to gather additional information, particularly concerning the recruitment and transport of victims.

During the raids, authorities seized a firearm, illegal drugs, incriminating documents, and two high-end vehicles used for victim transport.

Commitment Against Human Trafficking

The Guardia Civil highlighted that July 30 marks World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. In line with this, they recently launched the campaign 'Y tú ¿a quién llamarías?' alongside the association Diaconía España, aiming to raise public awareness and involvement in identifying locations where women and girls are sexually exploited.

The Guardia Civil reported that over 650 individuals were victims of sexual exploitation in Spain in 2023, with 98 percent being women. They encourage the public to report any information related to these crimes via the email trata@guardiacivil.es, ensuring anonymity and confidentiality.