Spanish authorities are currently investigating multiple alleged sexual assaults involving teenage girls who claim they were targeted while aboard a cruise ship after having their drinks spiked.
Approximately ten girls aged between 15 and 16 have reported the incidents to the police. The Civil Guard in Barcelona, where the ship arrived on May 1, has obtained statements from eight of the alleged victims, while the Ertzaintza, the primary police force in Basque Country, has spoken with the remaining two.
All the girls attend the same school in the Basque Country and were part of a privately organized trip on the unnamed cruise ship when the reported sexual assaults took place.
Although no arrests have been made yet, authorities have identified and located the suspects, who are adults unrelated to the girls’ group.
The journey reportedly began and ended in Barcelona, with two complaints received by the Basque Government’s Security Minister Bingen Zupira.
A spokesperson for the Civil Guard in Barcelona stated that they were informed about the incidents involving minors upon the cruise ship’s arrival on May 1. The suspected individuals are believed to be adults, and an investigation is currently underway, with statements taken and a local court notified for further actions.
The case is being treated as a potential sexual assault investigation under Spanish law, covering various types of misconduct, though specifics have not been disclosed. The focus is on determining if the minors were given alcohol or drugs before the alleged incidents occurred.
While local reports have mentioned a couple in their twenties as the suspects, this information has not been officially confirmed by the authorities.