Operation Aurora: Number of Suspects Rises to 25 in Major Investigation on Sal Island

A major investigation into alleged crimes involving the sexual exploitation of minors in Cape Verde has taken another significant turn, with authorities announcing nine additional arrests on Sal Island.

The latest arrests bring the total number of people detained in Operation Aurora to 25. According to Cape Verde’s Judicial Police, 18 of those suspects are currently being held in pretrial detention. The new arrests took place between September 29 and October 2 in Santa Maria, Murdeira and Espargos on Sal Island, as well as in the Safende neighborhood of Praia.

Among the nine newly detained suspects are eight men and one woman, who authorities identified as the mother of one of the alleged victims. The suspects, who are Cape Verdean and Spanish nationals, range in age from 18 to 81 and are residents of Sal.

Authorities allege that the suspects may have been connected to a criminal network involved in offenses including the exploitation and abuse of minors. Investigators say some of the alleged victims were under the age of 14, while the suspected offenses are believed to date back to 2023.

Following judicial hearings, seven of the nine latest suspects were ordered into pretrial detention. The other two were released under restrictions, including regular reporting to authorities and limits on leaving Sal and Cape Verde.

The investigation began in July 2025 after authorities received reports involving alleged crimes against children. Officials have emphasized that the case remains under investigation and is protected by judicial secrecy.

The Judicial Police also stressed that, under the law, information that could reveal the identities of the alleged victims or suspects will not be disclosed. The investigation into Operation Aurora is continuing as authorities work to determine the full scope of the case.

Source: A Nação / Cape Verde Judicial Police Read the original report from A Naçãoa