In a significant police operation, 21 women, mostly from Latin America, have been rescued from sexual exploitation in Spain.

The victims were lured from their home countries with promises of better lives, only to be forced into prostitution to repay a debt of 7,000 euros.

The criminal network, dismantled by the National Police with Europol's assistance, operated across several Spanish provinces, including Galicia, Burgos, Cuenca, and Madrid.

Nine individuals have been arrested, facing charges of human trafficking, coercive prostitution, and illegal immigration facilitation.

The investigation began after a tip-off about a potential trafficking victim arriving in Spain, leading to the discovery of multiple brothels and the arrest of the perpetrators.

The women were kept in vulnerable conditions, moved between locations, and some were even sold to other traffickers for 1,000 euros.