International Chinese Trafficking Ring Busted in Spain and the United States
Operation Uncovered
Spanish police have announced the disruption of an international Chinese trafficking ring that smuggled women into Spain and the United States for sexual exploitation. The operation, which began in 2022, resulted in the arrest of 30 individuals and the liberation of 33 victims.
The Gang’s Modus Operandi
The gang, known as the "Tian Xia She triad," used deception to lure young women, mostly of Asian origin, into their operation, promising them a better future in Europe. Once captured, the victims were forced to work as prostitutes in Spain and other countries, including Greece and the United States. The victims were kept in "conditions bordering on slavery," with their exploiters demanding they remain available for prostitution 24 hours a day without protection.
Forced Prostitution and Debt Bondage
The victims were forced to work long hours to pay off debts of up to 20,000 euros ($21,000) to their exploiters. The gang also forced some of the victims to undergo abortion, both medical and surgical, to prevent them from escaping or seeking help.
Multi-Million-Euro Profit
The gang made large profits from their illegal activities, including charging people, mostly from China, to smuggle them to Europe through the Balkans with the aim of reaching the United States via Central America. The gang also engaged in drug trafficking, employing minors to sell substances such as ketamine and "holy water," which was used to curb sexual inhibition and sold for around 300 euros per dose.
Police Action
The Spanish police operation, which involved Europol, a European law enforcement agency, resulted in the shutdown of two flats used as brothels and a document forgery facility. The operation involved 14 raids in Spain and one in Croatia.
Conclusion
The successful operation is a significant blow to organized crime groups involved in human trafficking and exploitation. It highlights the need for continued international cooperation to combat these crimes and protect victims.
FAQs
- What was the purpose of the operation?
The operation aimed to disrupt an international Chinese trafficking ring that smuggled women into Spain and the United States for sexual exploitation. - How many people were arrested in the operation?
30 individuals were arrested in the operation. - How many victims were liberated?
33 victims were liberated in the operation. - What was the gang’s modus operandi?
The gang used deception to lure young women into their operation, promising them a better future in Europe, and then forced them into prostitution. - What was the gang’s other main income source?
The gang also made large profits from drug trafficking, employing minors to sell substances such as ketamine and "holy water."