This operation, conducted weeks ago with a significant police deployment including a helicopter and street closures, uncovered a criminal organization involved in human trafficking for labor exploitation in the agricultural sector. The investigation, coordinated by the Judicial Police of the Civil Guard in Castellón, the Prosecutor's Office, and the Labor Inspectorate, resulted in the arrest of seven individuals.
The victims, mostly young men aged 20 to 35 from countries such as Nepal, Pakistan, Senegal, and Arab states, were recruited through false job offers. They were promised decent wages and accommodation, but upon arrival in Spain, they were taken to residences in Nules where they lived in extreme overcrowding, often without basic services like water or electricity.
13-hour workdays, no rest, almost no pay, and extreme overcrowding: the ordeal of the 80 people exploited in Nules.
The organization created financial debt for the victims, citing travel costs and other fictitious expenses, using this as a control mechanism. These individuals were forced to work in the fields for up to 13 hours daily, with non-existent or symbolic remuneration, no contracts or documentation, and under threats and coercion.
Operation Balarama exposed a hierarchical network with its main hub in Nules, where victims were housed in four properties owned by a Pakistani couple, considered key beneficiaries. The network operated across several Valencian regions, including La Plana Baixa, L'Alt Palància, Camp de Morvedre, Camp de Túria, and L'Horta Nord. Five house searches were conducted, and two of the seven detainees have been remanded in custody. The organization also used legal entities to feign legitimacy for its activities. Organizations such as the Red Cross, Caritas, and the Food Bank have provided support to the liberated victims.
