Spanish police have dismantled a criminal organisation accused of funnelling irregular migrants into the country and exploiting them across eight provinces, including Alicante, Valencia and Castellón. Operation Franciskan-Everest led to the arrest of 11 people and the investigation of two more. A total of 322 foreign nationals were assisted, of whom 294 were found to be in an irregular situation.

Investigators say the network brought migrants into the Schengen Area on tourist visas before moving them to parts of Spain, where they were housed in overcrowded and unhygienic accommodation. Many were then transported daily in unsafe vans to agricultural sites, including farms in Alicante. Several road accidents were reported, one of which was fatal, claiming the life of a Nepalese worker.

During the final phase of the operation, police carried out nine searches in Villalgordo del Júcar and La Roda. Officers seized cash, documents, mobile phones, computers and fraudulent records linked to the group, and they impounded 12 vehicles. Authorities also blocked several bank accounts connected to the organisation.

A large humanitarian response supported the victims, involving the Nepalese Embassy, cultural mediators, local Nepalese associations and the Spanish Red Cross. Regional and national authorities are assisting with the regularisation process for those affected. Most victims have now been relocated, while the investigation continues under the Juzgado de La Roda, which has ordered six suspects to be held without bail.