A woman residing in Barcelona has been located and returned safely to Spain after investigators found her in Pakistan, where she was allegedly taken by members of her family and forced into a marriage with a cousin.

The case has led to the arrest of two men in Barcelona on suspicion of human trafficking for the purpose of forced marriage. Police say the investigation also connects the two men to an alleged attempted homicide involving the woman's partner in Barcelona in December 2025.

Joint police investigation

The operation was carried out by a joint investigation team involving the Mossos d'Esquadra's Criminal Investigation Division and the Spanish National Police's unit responsible for combating immigration networks, document fraud and related trafficking offences.

Investigators began examining the case after the woman's partner reported that she had allegedly been taken to Pakistan by members of her family.

Because the investigation had an international dimension, the two police forces created a Joint Investigation Team to establish what had happened, locate the woman and identify those potentially involved.

Relationship opposed by family

According to investigators, the woman began a relationship with a man she had met in Barcelona in 2022, with the relationship beginning in 2023.

In June 2025, the couple formalised a religious union, which police say was not accepted by the woman's family.

Investigators allege that members of her family subsequently pressured and threatened her to end the relationship and intended to arrange a marriage with a cousin living in Pakistan.

Police also say threats were allegedly directed at the woman's partner through third parties, including warnings about his physical safety if the relationship continued.

Trip to Pakistan

In September 2025, a family member allegedly persuaded the woman to travel to Pakistan on the understanding that both families would accept the couple's relationship and attempt to resolve the dispute.

She travelled accompanied by an uncle, her father's brother.

Investigators say the situation changed after her arrival in Pakistan and that relatives allegedly took possession of her Spanish passport, confined her in a family home and imposed restrictions on her movements.

Police also allege that she was subjected to continuing psychological pressure to end her relationship and give up any attempt to return to Spain.

Marriage allegedly imposed against her wishes

According to the investigation, the woman's family arranged a marriage with a cousin in Pakistan.

Police say the marriage ultimately took place despite her repeated opposition.

The investigation is examining the role played by different people in the alleged confinement and forced marriage.

Partner allegedly attacked in Barcelona

The investigation also relates to an earlier violent incident in Barcelona.

In December 2025, the woman's partner, a Pakistani-origin man who owns a computer business, was allegedly attacked with a bladed weapon.

According to the Mossos, the two men later arrested were also allegedly connected with that incident, which is being investigated as an attempted homicide.

The partner subsequently reported to the Spanish National Police that his girlfriend had been taken to Pakistan against her will.

Woman located in Pakistan

Investigators worked with the Spanish Embassy in Pakistan and the Spanish Interior Ministry's representative in the country to determine where the woman was being held.

Once her location had been established, a police operation was organised to ensure her safety.

Spanish National Police officers in Pakistan carried out the operation to locate and rescue her, after which arrangements were made for her return to Spain.

Returned to Spain and given assistance

After reaching Spain, the woman received specialised protection and comprehensive assistance from relevant services.

Police have not publicly disclosed her identity or other personal details.

The operation was conducted with the aim of protecting the woman and facilitating her safe return to Barcelona.

Two men arrested in Barcelona

The investigation resulted in the arrest of two men, aged 41 and 45, at Barcelona-El Prat Airport on July 21.

They are being investigated as alleged perpetrators of human trafficking for the purpose of forced marriage.

Their alleged involvement in the earlier attack against the woman's partner is also under investigation. Arrests and police accusations do not establish guilt, and the judicial process remains ongoing.

Investigation remains open

The police investigation has not concluded all aspects of the case.

Investigators are continuing to establish the degree of involvement of the different people who may have participated in the woman's alleged detention and forced marriage, as well as the attack against her partner.

For now, the confirmed development is that the woman has been located in Pakistan and returned to Spain, while two men have been arrested in Barcelona as part of the investigation.

A case involving forced marriage and trafficking

The case illustrates the international nature that forced-marriage investigations can sometimes take when a person is taken across borders.

The Mossos d'Esquadra treats forced marriage as a situation in which at least one person has not freely consented to the union and provides specific mechanisms for reporting and protecting victims.