10 October 2026. The Civil Guard has freed 25 women in Ibiza and arrested four individuals linked to a criminal organisation dedicated to human trafficking for sexual exploitation.
The operation, known as “Gecaroni”, took place on 5 October and was carried out by agents from the Civil Guard's Area of Crimes Against Persons in the Balearic Islands.
Modus operandi of the organisation
The members of this organisation offered supposed job opportunities, mainly in hospitality or manicure, to women, mostly Venezuelans, aged between 18 and 25. These women, coming from vulnerable backgrounds, were lured to Spain under false pretences.
Once they arrived, they were picked up at the airport, where their belongings and money were confiscated. They were then taken to houses linked to the organisation, where they were informed that they had to repay a debt of approximately 5,000 euros through sexual services.
Control and surveillance
The victims were under strict control. They were available at all times to perform the requested services and were subjected to coercion. The organisation exploited the women's irregular status to instil fear and prevent them from seeking help from health or police services.
Investigators also discovered that surveillance systems were used to monitor their movements. Contacts with clients were made through messaging apps and by exposing the women in strategic locations in the leisure area of Platja d’en Bossa.
Throughout the investigation, it was revealed that the organisation primarily operated during the summer in Ibiza and moved its activities to other parts of the peninsula at the end of the summer season.
In addition to sexual exploitation, the organisation generated income from the sale of sexual enhancers and narcotics, which allowed them to maintain a lavish lifestyle, renting luxurious homes and expensive vehicles.
The operation culminated in four entries and searches at the organisation's addresses in Ibiza, resulting in the arrest of four individuals and the liberation of the women. Nearly 120,000 euros in cash, as well as various drugs, electronic devices, and materials related to the criminal activity were seized.
The investigation was supervised by the Ibiza Court of First Instance and received support from several units of the Civil Guard.
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