Spanish authorities dismantle criminal networks in Burgos and Cantabria

The Guardia Civil has uncovered two distinct criminal operations in Spain involving the exploitation of foreign nationals and fraudulent administrative processes.

In Burgos, ‘Operation Janduis’ is investigating a network of Spanish and Brazilian nationals accused of profiting from a scheme involving 25 Brazilian women. The women, who were residing irregularly in France and Belgium, allegedly traveled to the Las Merindades region to give birth. The scheme involved paying up to 2,500 euros for packages that included accommodation, fraudulent residency registration (empadronamiento), and access to public healthcare. The investigation was triggered after health center staff in Medina de Pomar noticed multiple women and newborns registered at the same address.

In Cantabria, ‘Operation Pucero’ resulted in 27 arrests following the dismantling of a group accused of sexual exploitation, drug distribution, and property squatting. Investigators found that women were lured with false job offers and forced into prostitution through threats. The victims were held in unsanitary conditions in various locations, including Santander and Laredo. Additionally, the group allegedly occupied properties to rent them out to vulnerable individuals and managed fraudulent residency registrations to facilitate access to social aid.