# Spain-Portugal child trafficking investigation

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/spain-portugal-child-trafficking-investigation
> Updated: 2026-11-09T18:38:25.000Z. Sources: 29. Developments: 3.

Authorities in Spain and Portugal have dismantled an international criminal network involved in the trafficking and sale of children. The investigation, codenamed Operation Luna, began in April 2026 following the discovery of an unregistered one year old girl near Porto. Investigators traced her origins to Montijo 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 and the creation of a paper trail.

Reports indicate that a woman allegedly sold six children, aged between 1 and 11 years old, in exchange for drugs. Joint operations by the Spanish National Police, the Civil Guard, and the Portuguese Republican National Guard led to searches in Montijo, Badajoz, and Linares. During these raids, police seized mobile phones, documents, ammunition, and firearms.

Six suspects, three men and three women aged between 31 and 59, were arrested and face charges including child trafficking, criminal association, child abandonment, and illegal possession of weapons. Investigators allege that at least four minors were sold to other families.

Six children were recovered during the raids. Two children, aged one and three, are under the care of Portuguese social services. Of the four remaining siblings in Spain, two have been placed in the San Juan Bautista children's home, while two others remain with their current carers.

## Claims

- Portuguese authorities are investigating a child trafficking network based in Badajoz, Montijo, and Linares. (reported by 1 source)
- A woman allegedly sold six children, aged between 1 and 11 years, in exchange for drugs. (reported by 1 source)
- Two children were recovered in Portugal and placed in a child support institution. (reported by 1 source)
- Six suspects, including three men and three women aged 31 to 59, are in custody. (reported by 1 source)
- The investigation involves cooperation between the Portuguese GNR, the Spanish Guardia Civil, and the Spanish National Police. (reported by 1 source)

## Timeline

### 2026-11-09: Spanish and Portuguese authorities dismantle child trafficking ring

Spanish and Portuguese police have dismantled a trafficking ring suspected of selling minors. Six people were arrested, and several children have been rescued and placed in state care.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spanish-and-portuguese-authorities-dismantle-child-trafficking-ring

### 2026-11-06: Portuguese authorities investigate child trafficking network

Portuguese and Spanish authorities are investigating a trafficking network that allegedly sold six children, aged 1 to 11, in exchange for drugs.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portuguese-authorities-investigate-child-trafficking-network

### 2026-11-04: Spain and Portugal dismantle child trafficking ring

A joint Spanish and Portuguese police operation dismantled a child trafficking ring, resulting in six arrests and the recovery of six children aged 1 to 11.

23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/authorities-rescue-unaccompanied-minors-in-separate-migration-incidents

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Cite as: Spain-Portugal child trafficking investigation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/spain-portugal-child-trafficking-investigation