# Migrant exploitation and smuggling in Iberia > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/migrant-exploitation-and-smuggling-in-iberia > Updated: 2026-10-05T12:12:59.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 2. Authorities in Portugal and Spain are conducting investigations and arrests related to migrant exploitation and illegal immigration. In Portugal, the Public Ministry of Évora has charged two men and a Spanish company for an international criminal operation in the Elvas region. Between October 2021 and January 2022, the suspects allegedly targeted migrants from Algeria and Morocco with false promises of housing, legal residency, and lucrative jobs, instead forcing them into the illicit labor market. Authorities are seeking the forfeiture of illicit gains estimated between 234,000 and 324,000 euros. In Spain, police operations have addressed various forms of smuggling and exploitation. In Ceuta, arrests were made involving a migrant hidden in a modified vehicle and a Spanish national caught piloting a rubber boat carrying 19 migrants without life jackets. Additionally, law enforcement detained individuals in Fuerteventura and Córdoba for exploiting foreign nationals through abusive working conditions, unpaid wages, and false employment promises. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-05: Spain police arrest individuals for smuggling and labor exploitation Spanish police have arrested several individuals in connection with human smuggling and labor exploitation, including a driver hiding a migrant in a vehicle and an employer abusing undocumented workers. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/crdoba-businessman-arrested-for-exploiting-foreign-workers ### 2026-09-08: Two men and Spanish company charged in Portuguese migrant exploitation case Two men and a Spanish company face charges in Portugal for allegedly exploiting North African migrants through illegal immigration and labor recruitment schemes in Elvas. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/two-men-and-spanish-company-charged-in-portuguese-migrant-exploitation-case --- Cite as: Migrant exploitation and smuggling in Iberia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/migrant-exploitation-and-smuggling-in-iberia