Spanish police have launched a homicide investigation after multiple bodies found in the Mediterranean were found with their hands and feet tied—an alarming indication of possible migrant trafficking violence.
Bodies Found Near Balearic Islands
The grisly discoveries began in mid-May when Civil Guard patrol boats spotted bodies floating in the waters around the Balearic archipelago, which includes Mallorca, Ibiza, and Menorca. According to Diario de Mallorca, at least five such bodies have been found so far. Authorities suspect the victims may be migrants from North Africa who were possibly thrown into the sea by smugglers following a dispute.
The Majorca Daily Bulletin reported that investigators believe these individuals may have been forcibly restrained before being cast overboard. A spokesperson for the Civil Guard confirmed to AFP that the investigation is treating the case as a suspected homicide, to identify the victims and determine their exact cause of death.
“This is the cruelest side of the irregular migration route,” said Marga Prohens, regional president of the Balearic Islands, during a local media briefing.
