Spain, France – Police forces in Spain and France have dismantled two Chinese criminal organizations allegedly involved in human trafficking and sexual exploitation of women. Victims, also of Chinese nationality, were held in short-term rental apartments, forced to work around the clock, and subjected to constant surveillance.

The coordinated operations freed 60 women and led to the arrest of 22 individuals—two in Spain and 20 in France. Police carried out 76 property searches, seizing €266,700 in cash, various narcotics, over 100 electronic devices, and an air pistol.

Investigations, launched in January 2024, revealed that both networks shared a rigid hierarchical structure, precise coordination across Spain and France, and specialized roles for each member. The groups engaged in forced prostitution, human trafficking, facilitation of irregular immigration, and money laundering.

Women were coerced and psychologically manipulated, moving frequently between apartments to evade authorities. Client bookings were managed via online advertisements and call centers controlling appointments, transportation, and accommodations.

The first network was dismantled through simultaneous operations in both countries, with 31 searches in France and eight in Spain, freeing 36 women and arresting 10 suspects. The second network was targeted in a coordinated operation involving 37 searches, resulting in 24 women freed and 12 arrests in France.

Despite the secrecy and discipline of these networks, the Spanish National Police has conducted ten operations over the last three years, arresting 176 individuals and freeing 169 victims. Their expertise is now sought by other European nations to combat similar criminal networks.

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