Spain - November 25, 2025 Guardia Civil has dismantled a criminal organization dedicated to human trafficking and document forgery in Melilla, in an operation codenamed “Leicho” that led to 11 arrests and struck a major blow against mafias that enable irregular migration. Investigators said the group generated around 200,000 euros by facilitating irregular sea crossings that posed a serious risk to the lives and physical safety of the migrants. The investigation began in April 2025, when the organization purchased recreational boats and jet skis to prepare migrant transfers for the summer. Officers discovered that between May and July the group arranged irregular maritime entries between the coasts of Nador and Melilla, using the vessels to pick up migrants near the shoreline, endangering their lives. The case advanced after the arrest of the boat skippers, assistance to victims, and information sharing with Moroccan police through the Police Cooperation Center in Tangier, which supports cross border coordination. Guardia Civil noted that dismantling human trafficking networks remains one of its greatest challenges, as these clandestine groups constantly adapt their routes and methods to avoid detection, requiring increasingly complex investigations. The exploitation phase concluded with 11 arrests in Melilla. The detainees face charges of belonging to a criminal organization, offences against the rights of foreign citizens, and document forgery. Operation “Leicho” was overseen by Investigative Court No. 3 in Melilla and is part of Guardia Civil’s Strategic Plan targeting irregular immigration networks and migration flow control.