Spanish and Portuguese authorities dismantle child trafficking ring

A cross-border investigation, codenamed Operation Luna, has exposed an alleged child trafficking network operating between Spain and Portugal. Six individuals were detained in Spain following coordinated police operations involving the Spanish National Police, the Civil Guard, and the Portuguese Guarda Nacional Republicana.

The investigation began in April 2026 after Portuguese authorities discovered an unregistered one-year-old girl near Porto. Investigators traced her origins to Montijo, Spain, and uncovered evidence of a financial transaction linked to an illegal adoption. It is alleged that the mother gave birth at home to avoid official registration, which would have created a paper trail.

Authorities have located two children, aged one and three, who are currently under the care of Portuguese social services. Of the four remaining siblings in Spain, two have been removed from their households and placed in the San Juan Bautista children's home, while two others remain with their current carers.

Police seized various items during the raids, including mobile phones, documents, ammunition, and firearms. Investigators allege that at least four minors were sold to other families, with the proceeds reportedly used to purchase drugs.