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 police operation, named “Jazira-Cova,” was ordered by the National Court with the support of the anti-corruption prosecution.
The case is being overseen by Judge Maria Tardon of the National Court. Officials from the Interior Ministry alerted authorities about an alleged network that was making money through the fraudulent issuance of Schengen visas. 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. 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. The National Court also requested the freezing of a property in Madrid and several financial assets.
In some cases, bribes reached €25,000 (Rs 27,93,500) per family. Police also conducted searches in Sagunto and Torrevieja. €10,890 (Rs 12,16,848.60) in cash, four mobile phones, and two laptops were seized.
Judicial sources told Spanish news site, The Objective, that the investigation began after official communications from the Spanish Embassy in Algeria. Some employees allegedly assisted in preparing applications and identified families who paid the network, according to the investigation. The police operation, named “Jazira-Cova,” was ordered by the National Court with the support of the anti-corruption prosecution.
