Spanish Police Arrest 14 in Major Money‑Laundering Probe Linked to Torán Narcotics Network

The National Police detained 14 people, including two officers, in a coordinated operation across Madrid, Guadalajara, Barcelona, Tarragona and Málaga. The arrests target a suspected money‑laundering scheme that finances the drug‑trafficking network led by Ignacio Torán, who is accused of introducing at least 73 tonnes of cocaine into Spain since 2020.

The raids were ordered by Audiencia Nacional judge Francisco de Jorge and carried out by the Central Unit for Economic and Fiscal Crime (UDEF). The investigation follows a major seizure of 13 tonnes of cocaine in Algeciras in October 2024, which linked the cartel to a series of container shipments. The probe expands an existing macro‑case that already includes dozens of suspects for drug trafficking, money laundering and police corruption. Earlier police corruption investigations uncovered more than €20 million in cash hidden in walls and ceilings of officials’ residences. The new detainees broaden the alleged connection between organized crime and members of Spain’s security forces.