The Spanish National Court has expanded its investigation into an alleged visa fraud case at the Spanish consulate in Algiers. The investigation, which began after the arrests of two people, Consulate’s chancellor Vicente Moreno, and local employee Mohamed Boutouchent in April, now also includes the Indian company BLS, which manages visa appointments and document processing at some Spanish consulates, according to Spanish Media Outlet The Objective.
The case is being overseen by Judge Maria Tardon of the National Court. Judicial sources told Spanish news outlet The Objective, that the investigation began after official communications from the Spanish Embassy in Algeria. Officials from the Interior Ministry alerted authorities about an alleged network that was making money through the fraudulent issuance of Schengen visas.
In April, Vicente Moreno, the second-in-command and chancellor of the Spanish consulate in Algiers, and local employee Mohamed Boutouchent were arrested. Moreno’s wife was also included in the investigation, although she was not arrested.
According to the investigation, the alleged network was involved in irregularities in the process of obtaining visas, residence permits, and work permits for self-employment. The allegation is that the purpose was to assist Algerian citizens in obtaining entry into Schengen Area countries.
In many cases, visa applicants did not meet the necessary formal requirements. According to the investigation, these individuals allegedly paid members of the network, who assisted in preparing their applications based on unverified, altered, or fraudulent documents. Some were also allegedly assisted in obtaining or maintaining residency in Spain.
The investigation has now expanded to companies providing administrative services, including services such as arranging appointments and managing documents. The National Court specifically mentioned BLS, which handles the visa appointment process. According to the investigation, some employees allegedly assisted in preparing applications and identified families who paid the network. In some cases, bribes reached Rs 27,93,500 per family.
In 2016, the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs gave BLS a Rs 19.55 billion contract to handle visa appointments and documentation at several consulates around the world. This work was primarily performed in Russia, China, India, the Maghreb, the Persian Gulf, and Southeast Asian countries.
The alleged network’s activities also affected individuals who were legally applying for visas.
According to information obtained by The Objective, the arrested individuals allegedly ignored appointments for applicants who met all the necessary requirements and primarily wanted to travel to Spain for business or training.
The judge charged the accused with five crimes: money laundering, crimes against the rights of foreign citizens, persistent falsification of documents by a public official, abuse of influence, and membership in a criminal organisation.
According to the investigation, payments to those involved in the alleged network were made in cash. It is alleged that they collected money from individual members and distributed it among themselves. Some of the cash was later brought to Spain and allegedly used for legitimate activities, primarily the purchase of motor vehicles, to conceal the alleged illegal source of the funds.
The police operation, named “Jazira-Cova,” was ordered by the National Court with the support of the anti-corruption prosecution. Officers from the Economic and Financial Crimes Unit, the Central Unit for Illegal Immigration Networks and Document Forgery, and the Sub-Directorate of Customs Surveillance participated in the operation.
Following Moreno’s arrest and release, Judge Tardon imposed several precautionary measures against him. His passport was confiscated, he was barred from leaving Spain, and he was ordered to report to the police station twice a month.
Police also conducted searches in Sagunto and Torrevieja. Around Rs 12,16,848 in cash, four mobile phones, and two laptops were seized. The National Court also requested the freezing of a property in Madrid and several financial assets.
