Algeria Now
Spanish Judge Expands Probe into Ceuta Migrant Influx, Accuses Moroccan Authorities of Prior Knowledge
· Source: Algeria Now
A Spanish judicial inquiry into the mass arrival of migrants in the enclave of Ceuta on 30-31 July has widened, with Judge Maria Tardon of the Audiencia Nacional ordering the army to hand over all intelligence reports from 15 July to 7 August and summoning senior officials from Ceuta's government and police. The investigation now encompasses surveillance footage, drone recordings, military monitoring systems and minutes from meetings held before the incident.
According to El Pais, the probe seeks to identify the organiser of the crowd movement and any logistical or financial support that enabled thousands of Moroccan migrants to cross the border. The judge has also requested the name of a Moroccan informant who allegedly warned of the operation in advance, as well as the intelligence reports that noted the impending influx but were allegedly received too late.
Spanish intelligence documents cited by the newspaper indicate that the Moroccan "Makhzen" was aware of preparations for a large‑scale crossing and that a letter dated 29 July was sent to Morocco’s internal and external security services detailing the scale of the planned movement. The reports claim the Moroccan authorities were expected to contain the flow, yet stringent measures such as arrests and transfers of migrants away from the frontier were only taken when the crossing peaked.
Judge Tardon concluded that the migration wave was "clearly and unequivocally orchestrated from Moroccan territory", citing Spanish police findings of lax Moroccan security and instances where Moroccan officials allegedly directed migrants to the most favourable routes into Spain. She added that the scale of the operation could not have been achieved without financial backing and organised support.
The investigation also noted that Moroccan naval vessels entered Spanish territorial waters at the same time as the migrant crossings, although the Spanish intelligence report did not elaborate on these movements. Legal groups in Spain have filed popular actions demanding further accountability for the events.