Gangs pull migrants off Spain's Playa del Trampolín by speedboat to reach the mainland

Gangs are taking advantage of the fog to move migrants in speedboats from Playa del Trampolín to the Spanish mainland. These conditions favour the illegal activity.

## The business of desperation

The gangs are exploiting the desperation of those seeking a better life, using speedboats to cross the strait. **Playa del Trampolín**, a specific location, has become a stage for this kind of illegal operation. Fog, a common weather phenomenon in the area, acts as an unwitting accomplice, making these crossings easier to carry out undetected.

## The shadow economy of human trafficking

This modus operandi is not new, but the mention of "speedboats" suggests an evolution in tactics to optimise time and, presumably, the number of people moved. The economy behind these incivil networks is built on risk and the promise of opportunity, charging considerable sums for each crossing. The lack of control and the difficulty of detection are key factors that allow this business to thrive.

## The impact on security

The activity of these gangs is not only a serious crime but also a growing security concern. The use of speedboats in low-visibility conditions exponentially increases the risk of accidents, endangering the lives of the people being transported. The authorities face a constant challenge in dismantling these networks and ensuring safety along the coasts.