Spanish National Police in Valladolid arrested a Moroccan national on November 17 who was wanted internationally by Moroccan authorities for allegedly organizing a failed migrant-smuggling operation in 2020 near Tangier, Spanish media reported. The arrest came after investigations led by the regional police commissioner, following a notice from Spain's National Central Bureau for locating fugitives indicating that the suspect might be in the city. Moroccan authorities had issued an international warrant for his arrest, suspecting him of playing a central role in arranging an irregular migration attempt to Spain. The operation in question took place on December 3, 2020, when the Royal Armed Forces intercepted an inflatable boat off Ras El Raml beach carrying 22 would-be migrants. Moroccan investigators later accused the man of forming a criminal network and organizing illegal migration. Once located, the Valladolid police detained him on Prado de la Magdalena Street. His case has been referred to Investigative Judge No. 3 of Spain's National Court, which handles extradition cases, to begin proceedings for his transfer to Moroccan authorities.
