The European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation on Tuesday confirmed the arrest of a group of 34 people in Spain and Bulgaria for involvement in a human trafficking ring.
According to Europol officials, the members of the group are alleged to of bringing young Bulgarian women to tourist destinations like Torremolinos and Marbella in southern Spain, where they are forced into prostitution.
Europol said its officers rescued 13 women and said searches linked to the operation also turned up cash and drugs.
Authorities also blocked several bank accounts as part of the operations, took possession of homes and luxury cars.
The investigation began in 2014 when the women were tricked into heading to Spain with promises of a life of luxury there; instead, they were blackmailed or forced into prostitution.
The women were also expected to steal from their clients.