Spain’s National Police has dismantled a criminal organisation that smuggled large shipments of cocaine into Europe and laundered the proceeds. Officers conducted the investigation jointly with Dutch law enforcement authorities.
The network based itself in Spain’s Málaga province and maintained links with various European countries as well as South America. The criminals used maritime routes and container shipping through the Port of Rotterdam to deliver large consignments of cocaine.
Police data shows that the offenders diverted at least €4 million from drug trafficking into real estate investments on the Costa del Sol.
Authorities have brought five members of the group before the courts as suspects. Prosecutors charge them with membership of a criminal organisation, drug trafficking, money laundering and concealment of assets. Among those arrested is an individual of high value to Europol, as well as the organisation’s leader, known as the “financial architect of the Costa del Sol.” He laundered money for other criminal groups as well.
During searches in Málaga and the Netherlands, officers seized 5 firearms, 3 premium-class vehicles, a drone, 40 mobile phones and jewelry worth approximately €170,000. They also froze real estate valued at a total of €4 million.