A major joint operation by the Spanish National Police and Guardia Civil targeting an international criminal organisation involved in drug trafficking and money laundering has resulted in four arrests in Ibiza.
The investigation, coordinated by Europol and led by Spain’s National Court and the Special Anti-Drug Prosecutor’s Office, has resulted in 27 arrests in total: 26 in Spain and one in the Dominican Republic. Arrests have also been carried out in Madrid, Málaga, Pontevedra, Almería and León.
In Ibiza, officers carried out eight searches as part of a wider operation involving 38 simultaneous searches and property raids across Spain and the Dominican Republic.
Luxury villas in Ibiza used to launder criminal proceeds
One of the key elements uncovered by investigators is the use of the luxury real estate sector to launder proceeds from drug trafficking.
According to investigators, the organisation channelled millions of euros through companies involved in real estate developments, residential projects and luxury properties, particularly in Ibiza, Marbella and Madrid.
Police and Guardia Civil say the aim was to conceal the true ownership of the properties and launder both the proceeds generated by the organisation’s own criminal activities and funds belonging to other criminal groups.
The operation has led authorities to impose a ban on the sale or transfer of 70 properties and 16 luxury villas, while other assets linked to those under investigation have also been frozen.
More than 1,500 kilos of cocaine seized
The investigation began in September 2023 following the analysis of encrypted messaging platforms. Investigators subsequently linked the organisation to four cocaine seizures in Panama, with a combined weight of more than 1,500 kilograms.
According to investigators, between 2020 and 2021 the network established routes to smuggle cocaine from Colombia and Panama using maritime shipping containers.
The organisation allegedly employed techniques known as “rip-off”, “blind hook” or “preñado”, in which drugs are concealed within legitimate cargo shipments before being recovered and distributed to criminal organisations operating in Spain.
The group’s ability to move and conceal large amounts of money eventually led its members to offer their services to other criminal organisations.
The network consequently evolved into a model known as “crime as a service”. In addition to laundering its own criminal proceeds, it allegedly charged commissions to move and launder money generated by other groups involved in drug trafficking.
Weapons, luxury vehicles and crypto assets seized
During the searches, investigators seized €271,521 in cash, 76,425 dirhams, US$1,175 and more than 1.3 million USDT in crypto assets.
Officers also seized six firearms, including a weapon classified as a weapon of war, as well as a silencer, prohibited weapons and more than 800 rounds of ammunition.
The operation also targeted the organisation’s assets. Authorities seized 40 high-end vehicles and two boats, while 26 bank accounts and more than 100 legal entities linked to the investigation were blocked.
The investigation remains ongoing. Five international arrest warrants have already been processed, meaning further operations and arrests have not been ruled out.
