Suspected people smuggler caught at the airport in Mallorca

A MAN who had been on the run since 2013 was arrested by National Police at Son Sant Joan Airport.

In 2013, nine people were arrested in an operation codenamed ‘Buho’ against people trafficking and muggings of tourists in the Palma Beach area and Magaluf. They were charged with robbery, fraud, prostitution and people trafficking, and three were remanded in prison. The others were released with charges.

Two girls under 18 who were being forced to work as prostitutes to pay off a debt were freed during the operation, during which the alleged leader of the organisation was able to flee Mallorca to Bilbao.

However, he was located at Palma de Mallorca Airport just days ago when planning to board a flight to the mainland. There was €700 hidden in shoes in his luggage. 

He had been living in Spain illegally since 2008.