Illegal immigrant network broken up in Melilla

Illegal immigrant network broken up in Melilla
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By h.b. - Jan 17, 2009 - 12:43 PM

Two immigrants in the false bottom of a vehicle - Photo Guardia Civil

A total of 17 arrests have been made.

15 Spaniards and two Moroccans have been arrested as the National Police in the Spanish north African enclave of Melilla have broken up what they describe as the largest illegal immigrant network ever.

Operación Gaviota was opened last June in conjunction with the Guardia Civil, and more arrests have not been ruled out.
Police think the gang were led by five of those arrested who found their victims among the Sub-Saharans who wanted to reach the Spanish mainland and hence Europe.

They charged them between 2,000 € and 3,000 € and had a series of vehicles with secret compartments prepared for the ferry crossings. 12 such vehicles have been impounded, and many of their drivers are among those now arrested.

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