Spanish police have said that they have dismantled a criminal network that smuggled Iranian nationals with false documents into Britain.

A National Police statement said Thursday 101 people — mostly Iranians and Spaniards — have been arrested in a year-long operation coordinated with British and police and Europol.

It said the ring leader was arrested in London at the end of June as he prepared to take a flight to Brazil.

Police said the network operated out of Spain's southern city of Malaga, where 14 members were arrested between June and July.

Police said 42 Spaniards were arrested for selling identity documents to the group and 44 Iranians were intercepted at different European airports.

The organization charged the migrants some 25,000 euros ($30,000) for fake Spanish passports, travel and accommodation arrangements.