1 week ago
Spain Visa Fraud Probe Expands to BLS After Consulate Arrests
Spanish authorities are investigating a suspected group that may have helped people obtain visas and permits improperly.
The group allegedly charged money and used altered or unverified documents.
The case involves Spain’s consulate in Algiers and warnings from the Spanish Embassy in Algeria.
Two people, Vicente Moreno and Mohamed Boutouchent, were arrested in April.
Moreno’s wife is also part of the investigation but was not arrested.
The Indian company BLS, which helps arrange visa appointments, is now being examined.
Investigators say some people who qualified for visas may have been unfairly pushed aside.
Police seized cash, phones, and computers during searches.
The investigation is ongoing, so the allegations have not been finally proven.
Spain’s National Court is investigating an alleged network that fraudulently obtained Schengen, residence, and work permits.
The case is led by Judge María Tardón and began after warnings from Spain’s Embassy in Algeria.
Consulate chancellor Vicente Moreno and employee Mohamed Boutouchent were arrested in April; Moreno’s wife is also being investigated.
BLS, an Indian company handling visa appointments and documents, is now under scrutiny over alleged assistance to applicants and the network.
Investigators allege cash payments, altered documents, and bribery, including payments of up to Rs 27,93,500 per family.
- Who
- Spain’s National Court, led by Judge María Tardón, is investigating consulate officials, other alleged network members, and BLS; Vicente Moreno and Mohamed Boutouchent were arrested.
- What
- An investigation is examining alleged fraudulent visa, residence-permit, and work-permit applications, including possible involvement by BLS.
- Where
- The case centers on Spain’s consulate in Algiers, with searches conducted in Sagunto and Torrevieja and assets sought in Madrid.
- When
- The investigation began after official communications from the Spanish Embassy in Algeria; Moreno and Boutouchent were arrested in April.
- Why
- Authorities allege the network sought financial gain by helping applicants enter Schengen Area countries or obtain residency through irregular applications.
Key facts
- Investigating body
- Spain’s National Court
- Judge
- María Tardón, head of Central Investigating Court No. 3
- Arrested individuals
- Consulate chancellor Vicente Moreno and local employee Mohamed Boutouchent
- Company under scrutiny
- BLS, an Indian company handling visa appointments and document processing
- Alleged charges
- Money laundering, crimes against foreign citizens, persistent document falsification by a public official, abuse of influence, and membership in a criminal organisation
- Alleged payment
- Up to Rs 27,93,500 per family, according to the investigation
- Seized materials
- Around Rs 12,16,848 in cash, four mobile phones, and two laptops
Sources
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