Heightened Security Measures on the Island
Mallorca has once again captured the attention of intelligence agencies due to the escalating migration crisis in Ceuta and the significant influx of boats from Algeria arriving on the Balearic Islands. In response to these developments, Spain's National Intelligence Center (CNI), the National Police, and the Guardia Civil have intensified their surveillance efforts across the island. This heightened scrutiny is not just a reaction to migration routes, but also encompasses broader concerns regarding the activities of North African communities residing in Mallorca.
Security services estimate that Rabat may have around a dozen "informants" operating on the island, while a slightly lower number is suspected to be affiliated with Algeria. These individuals are not necessarily traditional agents but rather people who gather information, maintain contacts, and relay data about their fellow nationals living in Mallorca back to their home countries. The scope of interest from both Rabat and Algiers extends across various domains, notably economic issues. A senior police source indicated, "Immigrants send substantial amounts of money back to their home countries, and this financial flow is being monitored." Moreover, there is a growing concern regarding the political activities within these communities.
The informants' role includes discerning the sentiments of their compatriots, gauging opinions about their home governments, and particularly identifying any opposition groups or centers of dissent that could potentially organize on Spanish soil. The activities of these informants are not confined solely to Palma; intelligence agencies have noted increased activity in municipalities with significant Maghreb populations such as Sa Pobla, Inca, Felanitx, and Muro.
Surveillance of Religious Institutions
The surveillance of these networks is part of a discreet operation that rarely comes to light. Investigators prioritize identifying who maintains contacts with foreign services, what information may be gathered, and the extent of these relationships. In this context, mosques and Muslim prayer spaces play a crucial role, with around fifty such establishments across the Balearic Islands. Both the National Police and the Guardia Civil continuously monitor these sites through their respective intelligence units. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure national security while navigating the complexities arising from migration and international relations.
As reported by mallorcamagazin.com.
