Barakaldo, Bizkaia – Nine women were liberated from horrific human trafficking in Barakaldo, Bizkaia, and Castro Urdiales, Cantabria. The Guardia Civil conducted Operation Bildalketa, rescuing victims forced into prostitution.

The women, five from Colombia and four from Bolivia, Venezuela, Paraguay, Paraguay and Spain, endured inhumane conditions. They lived in cramped, unsanitary rooms with bunk beds, under constant camera surveillance.

A marriage and their children allegedly ran the operation, exploiting victims around the clock. Seven suspects were arrested, and three others are under investigation for human trafficking and drug crimes.

The investigation began in 2024 after an NGO tipped off authorities. One victim was smuggled into Spain via Greece, moved between locations in Bizkaia, Cantabria, and Almería.

In May, authorities raided three sites, seizing over €20,000, seven phones, a laptop, cocaine doses, and sildenafil tablets. The suspects face charges of human trafficking, coercive prostitution, drug trafficking, money laundering, and criminal group membership.

The rescued women are now receiving support to recover from their ordeal. The Guardia Civil’s Bizkaia unit led the operation, highlighting their fight against human trafficking.

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