Barcelona police detained seven irregular immigrants after raids on three gay saunas in the Eixample and Ciutat Vella districts on 28 April. The operation involved the Guàrdia Urbana, the Spanish National Police and the Spanish Civil Guard.
The inspections followed a complaint filed with the Spanish National Police and the Civil Guard, which alleged prostitution and possible coercion at the premises. Officers said they were checking for possible victims of sexual exploitation and for any minors inside the venues.
In total, 83 men were identified, 70 clients and 13 workers. Police said no minors were found and no workers reported being sexually exploited. Several people were interviewed privately as potential victims of human trafficking, but those interviews did not produce positive results.
The Guàrdia Urbana also carried out administrative inspections and issued 12 reports for infractions, five for serious offences and seven for minor ones. The reports covered issues including operating licences, emergency exits and signage. More Catalonia news
The operation included the UCRIF unit of the Spanish National Police, the UOPJ of the Barcelona Civil Guard Command, and the Investigation Unit and Human Trafficking and Exploitation Group of the Guàrdia Urbana of Barcelona. The detained individuals face possible deportation proceedings, while the establishments must address the deficiencies identified in the inspections.
For official context on the forces involved, readers can refer to the Spanish National Police, the Civil Guard and the Guàrdia Urbana of Barcelona.