The mafias that control human trafficking on the route between Algeria and Mallorca have returned to using so-called "patera taxis" to land migrants on the coasts of the Spanish island of Mallorca and also on the neighboring island of Cabrera. This practice represents a new strategy used by human smuggling networks in the Mediterranean region.
"Patera taxis" are small vessels used as informal maritime taxis, which allow mafias to make shorter and more discreet trips compared to traditional larger pateras. This modality offers criminal organizations greater operational flexibility and lower risk of detection by Spanish maritime authorities.
Spanish security forces have been recording an increase in activity by these networks in the area between Algeria and the Balearic Islands, which suggests a possible return of this migratory route after a period of lower intensity. The geographical proximity between the Algerian coast and Mallorca makes this route attractive to criminal organizations that exploit the vulnerability of migrants.
