Moroccan man convicted for organizing illegal immigration to Spain

A Moroccan national was sentenced Friday by a court in Granada (southern Spain) to three years and a half in prison and a fine of 1.8 million pesetas for his involvement in illegal immigration organizing.

The man, arrested last November, faced charges of masterminding a rig specialized in the transportation of illegal immigrants. Fourteen Moroccans and scores of other were helped to enter Spain.

The group of illegal immigrants told the court they paid 300,000 pesetas (18.300 DH or US$ 1,577) each to enter Spain and an additional 180,000 pesetas to go to other cities.

A Spanish law, in force since last January, promises an award to any illegal immigrant who helps the police find organizers of illegal immigration.