Home / War and Conflict / Algerian Mafia Gangs Exploit Balearic Islands as Irregular Migration Route
Algerian Mafia Gangs Exploit Balearic Islands as Irregular Migration Route
29 Aug
Summary
- Formentera, a Spanish island, sees surge in migrant arrivals
- Ruthless Algerian mafia gangs open new route after crackdown in Italy and Greece
- Migrants in poor condition after dangerous sea crossing from North Africa
As of August 30th, 2025, the Spanish island of Formentera has become the latest gateway for irregular migrants seeking to enter Europe, with Algerian mafia gangs opening up a new route following a crackdown on illegal migration into Italy and Greece.
Formentera, known as a holiday hotspot for celebrities, is now facing a crisis as ruthless Algerian gangs have turned the island into a new entry point for migrants. In the first eight months of 2025, nearly 5,000 asylum seekers have reached the Balearic Islands, with 1,583 migrants carried by 91 boats making the 210-mile journey from Algeria to Formentera alone.
Locals on the island are overwhelmed, with restaurant owner Victor Tur warning that tourists may stop visiting if Formentera becomes "Spain's Lampedusa," referring to the Italian island that was previously besieged by asylum seekers. Migrants are arriving in poor condition, with some collapsing on the beach after the dangerous sea crossing, and locals report seeing women and children among the new arrivals.
The surge in migrant arrivals has also strained local resources, with the Red Cross lacking an office on Formentera and the coastguard vessel being out of service for weeks. Authorities in the Balearic Islands feel abandoned, with the regional leader calling on the Spanish government to provide more support.
