Spain: Police smash human trafficking ring smuggling Syrians to Europe

Spanish police say they have broken up a human trafficking ring smuggling people fleeing the Syrian conflict into Europe.

At least 18 arrests were made in Madrid. Those detained include the suspected head of the operation, a Lebanese national.

Police say the network was also starting to target Iraqi candidates, seeking exile from their war-torn country.

Migrants are said to have paid up to 10,000 euros each – including for fake documents – travelling initially to Asia or South America.