Human Trafficking Network Orchestrates Escape of 19 Moroccan Migrants from Portuguese Social Security Housing

Suspected Human Trafficking Network Behind Coordinated Escape

Nineteen out of twenty-two Moroccan migrants who were housed by Social Security in a guesthouse in São Pedro do Sul have fled Portugal. This occurred after they were released following the expiration of their legal detention period.

Exclusive Footage Reveals Contact with Suspected Trafficker

CNN Portugal obtained exclusive images showing the moment a man, suspected of belonging to a human trafficking network, approached the group. The man arrived in a high-powered car with Spanish license plates and engaged in a conversation with the migrants approximately 200 meters from their accommodation.

Details of the Escape Operation

The migrants, who had arrived in the Algarve from Morocco, were awaiting decisions on whether they would be returned or allowed to stay in Portugal. The escape was executed using multiple vehicles from Spain, with the first migrants leaving the country on Tuesday night.

Additional Escapes from Another Location

In a related development, twelve other immigrants from the same group of 38 people who arrived in the Algarve in August also escaped. They had been housed in a pension in Portimão and left without notice.

Legal Status and Lack of Surveillance

All 37 released migrants—including one baby and six children—were freed on Monday. Despite being prohibited from leaving national territory, they were not under any surveillance and could freely leave their assigned accommodations.