Spanish police bust Chinese trafficking group smuggling people into Ireland
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Spanish police bust Chinese trafficking group smuggling people into Ireland

SPANISH POLICE have arrested 155 people believed to be attempting to traffic Chinese migrants into Ireland and the UK.

The trafficking ring was discovered after five migrants entered a witness protection programme in exchange for supplying evidence against the illegal operation.

Spanish authorities have said that the three-year investigation was launched after an official at Barcelona airport noticed a significant rise in fake identity papers used by Chinese nationals heading for Ireland and the UK.

According to Spanish police, each victim paid €20,000 for the trip and was supplied with fake passports and other documents.

In a statement on Twitter, Policia Nacional said that the arrests included four alleged ringleaders who were detained in Barcelona.

It’s also understood that the migrants stayed in different parts of Catalonia while they waited for their fake papers to be issued.