The National Police have dismantled a criminal organization linked to human trafficking and money laundering in Mallorca. In two operations carried out during this year, 16 people have been arrested accused of managing a financial scheme aimed at hiding the profits obtained from the sexual exploitation of Brazilian prostitutes. The amount laundered exceeds two million euros, according to police sources.
Sophisticated laundering machinery
The first operation, known as Operation Umbrella, took place in July and resulted in the arrest of eight people of Brazilian origin, as well as the identification of two front companies. These companies, created to look like a legal activity, were used to camouflage the funds obtained from prostitution. The laundering scheme began with the entry of the money obtained through point-of-sale terminals and electronic transfers, such as Bizum, in the premises where prostitution was practiced. Subsequently, these funds were integrated into the invoicing of the fictitious catering companies, which simulated normal activities before the Tax Agency. Among the expenses declared were rents, the purchase of vehicles and real estate, as well as the management of a hotel business with hardly any apparent activity. In December, a second operation by the same criminal group led to the arrest of another eight people. This time, the focus was on the use of personal data of those involved to make transfers to Brazil, making it difficult to trace the money. Once in the South American country, the funds were used to purchase real estate and luxury vehicles.
An investigation that began with a complaint
The Foreigners Group of the Manacor Police Station led this complex investigation, which began in December 2022 following a complaint linking a prostitution-related establishment to illicit activities. During the searches, agents found evidence confirming the connections between sexual exploitation and money laundering. Investigators estimate that the network managed to launder more than two million euros in a relatively short period of time. Currently, the police continue to work to identify other possible offshoots of this criminal organization.
A call for citizen collaboration
The authorities stress the importance of citizen collaboration in the fight against this type of crime. The National Police recalls that any information on suspicious activities related to human trafficking and money laundering can be key to dismantle similar networks.
