[REVISION HISTORY]

Spain-Portugal child trafficking investigation

1 recorded revision of this situation.

What changed

2026-11-07 18:55 UTC → 2026-11-10 13:13 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Authorities in Spain and Portugal have dismantled an international criminal network involved in the trafficking and sale of children. The ~~investigation~~ investigation, codenamed Operation Luna, began in April 2026 following the discovery of an ~~alert regarding a~~ unregistered one year old ~~baby~~ girl near Porto. Investigators traced her origins to Montijo and ~~the suspected purchase~~ uncovered evidence of a ~~child by~~ 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 ~~couple.~~ 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. The suspects~~ arrested and face ~~various charges,~~ 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~~ raids. Two children, aged one and three, are under the care of Portuguese ~~administrative tutelage, while~~ social services. Of the ~~other~~ four ~~are being protected by the Junta de Extremadura or family members~~ remaining siblings in ~~Badajoz and Linares.~~ Spain, two have been placed in the San Juan Bautista children's home, while two others remain with their current carers.

Versions

Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.