Police in Spain have arrested 17 people on suspicion of smuggling Nigerian women into the country and forcing them into prostitution.

The Interior Ministry said the women were threatened with claims that Voodoo spells would be cast on them if they did not comply.

An investigation began when police detected in January that around 10 women had been brought into the country illegally using a small boat.

Police said that following an investigation, its raids seized computer equipment, mobile phones, false identity and work permit documents, as well as objects which detectives said were allegedly used in "Voodoo rituals".

Officers tracked the suspects down to cities throughout Spain, and arrested 16 Nigerian nationals and one Ugandan citizen, a statement released today said.

It was not clear when the arrests took place.

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