HIBAPRESS – Mohamed Zariouh
The Spanish Civil Guard, in an operation described as exceptional, managed to dismantle a criminal network active between Nador and occupied Melilla, which was using the sea as a secret route for smuggling migrants illegally. The operation, codenamed "Letcho," resulted in the arrest of 11 people suspected of involvement in migrant smuggling, forgery, and violations of migrants' rights.
Investigations began in April 2025, revealing that the network used recreational boats and jet skis to transport migrants across the sea from the Moroccan coast to occupied Melilla. The operation took place between May and July, and the network made profits estimated at around 200,000 euros as a result of these illegal activities. The danger of the operations is one of the most prominent discoveries, as the boats used were not equipped with the necessary safety equipment, while the sea routes adopted by the network passed through extremely dangerous areas. This increases the likelihood of fatal accidents at any moment, reflecting the great risks faced by migrants on these journeys. Thanks to the coordination between the Moroccan and Spanish security services, through the Tangier Police Cooperation Center, information was exchanged continuously, which helped in tracking down members of the network and exposing their methods. These joint efforts resulted in the execution of the final stage of the operation in Melilla, where 11 people were arrested and placed under investigation under the supervision of the Spanish judiciary. Investigations are still ongoing to uncover any possible extensions of this network in other areas.
