National Police have dismantled two criminal organisations accused of sexually exploiting vulnerable women in Madrid, arresting 11 people and closing two brothels. The investigation began in October 2025 after one victim reported being brought to Spain under false promises and forced into prostitution.

In the first operation, officers arrested two suspects in Madrid and one in Guardamar, freeing four victims. Police said the women were held under constant surveillance, threatened with santería rituals and forced to take drugs. They were allegedly made to work without protection, leading in some cases to sexually transmitted infections requiring long-term treatment. A 15-year-old girl was among those rescued.

In separate but related raids in Madrid, eight more people were arrested and additional victims were freed. Women were reportedly recruited abroad with promises of legitimate work, only to be told they owed debts of 10,000 euros. They were forced to work seven days a week, fined 100 euros for missing shifts and denied the right to refuse clients.

Police said the suspects face charges including human trafficking, money laundering and membership of a criminal organisation. Two have been remanded in prison. Authorities have urged anyone with information about sexual exploitation to contact their confidential hotline or email service.