Nine held over alleged sexual exploitation ring in villa raid

Guardia Civil officers have arrested nine people after raiding a villa in Orihuela in a probe into alleged sexual exploitation, drug trafficking, money laundering and membership of a criminal organisation.

The operation, which has been linked to the name Libertas Merlot, was carried out by judicial police units from the Guardia Civil commands in Alicante and Madrid. Officers said the investigation began in February 2025 after they gathered indications that criminal activity was taking place at the property.

Women found in the basement

According to the Guardia Civil, women of several nationalities were found living in overcrowded conditions in the basement of the villa. Officers also said the suspects used cameras installed inside and outside the property to keep the women under close watch.

A court authorised the search of the house, where officers found the women housed together in precarious conditions. Searches also uncovered several items linked to the suspected offences, including payment terminals, drugs, scales and other drug-dosing equipment, as well as notebooks with names, sums of money and times for services.

Suspects and wider inquiry

The nine arrests were made on suspicion of human trafficking for sexual exploitation, drugs offences, money laundering and belonging to a criminal group. The Guardia Civil has not identified the detainees publicly.

Spanish police have not given a full breakdown of the women involved or said how long the alleged exploitation may have been taking place. The inquiry remains under way.