1 week ago
BLS Faces Scrutiny in Spanish Schengen Visa Fraud Probe
Spanish investigators are looking into a suspected scheme that helped some people get visas improperly.
The investigation concerns the Spanish Consulate in Algiers.
Two people connected to the consulate were arrested last April.
Applicants allegedly paid large amounts of money, sometimes up to €25,000.
Some applications reportedly contained changed, incomplete or false documents.
Investigators are examining whether BLS, which helps process visa appointments and documents, played a role.
They are also checking whether bribe money was used to buy vehicles or other assets.
The court has not yet established BLS’s precise responsibility.
Authorities are collecting computers, phones, financial information and official records as part of the investigation.
Spain’s National Court expanded a probe into alleged visa fraud at the Spanish Consulate in Algiers.
Investigators are examining BLS’s possible role in appointment scheduling and visa-document processing.
The alleged scheme involved Schengen visas, residence permits and work permits obtained using improper applications.
Families reportedly paid as much as €25,000, while investigators also examine alleged bribery and money laundering.
Authorities seized electronic devices and cash and are seeking to freeze related assets and preserve records.
- Who
- Spain’s National Court is investigating a suspected network, including people linked to the Spanish Consulate in Algiers and possible administrative service providers such as BLS.
- What
- An alleged operation helped applicants obtain Schengen visas, residence permits and self-employment work permits through improper or fraudulent applications.
- Where
- The alleged activity centered on the Spanish Consulate in Algiers, Algeria, with searches also conducted in Sagunto and Torrevieja, Spain.
- When
- The probe followed arrests made in Spain last April; the court has since expanded the investigation.
- Why
- Authorities are investigating suspected bribery, document falsification, influence peddling, money laundering and participation in a criminal organisation.
Investigators’ Concerns
Unresolved Company Role
BLS involvement
Investigators’ Concerns
Investigators are examining whether BLS and other administrative service providers played a role in processing appointments and visa documents connected with the alleged scheme.
Unresolved Company Role
The articles state that BLS’s precise role and responsibility remain under investigation; they do not report a final finding against the company.
Preferential access
Investigators’ Concerns
Authorities allege that people who paid bribes received preferential access to appointments while applicants meeting legitimate requirements were denied appointments.
Unresolved Company Role
The reported preferential-access claims are allegations being examined by investigators and have not been established as facts by the court.
Financial activity
Investigators’ Concerns
Investigators suspect proceeds from the alleged operation were channelled into apparently legitimate transactions, particularly vehicle purchases.
Unresolved Company Role
Authorities are investigating possible money laundering, but the articles do not state that the suspected transactions have been proven unlawful.
Key facts
- Investigating body
- Spain’s National Court, under Judge María Tardón of Central Court of Instruction Number 3.
- Company under scrutiny
- BLS, an Indian company involved in visa appointment scheduling and document processing.
- Reported payments
- Families allegedly paid as much as €25,000.
- Arrests
- Consulate chancellor Vicente Moreno and local employee Mohamed Boutouchent were arrested in Spain last April.
- Alleged offences
- Money laundering, offences against foreign citizens’ rights, document falsification, influence peddling and participation in a criminal organisation.
- BLS contract
- BLS received a €175 million contract from Spain’s Foreign Ministry in 2016.
- Seized materials
- Authorities reportedly seized cash, phones, laptops and USB drives and sought to freeze property and financial assets.
Sources
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