BLS implicated in Spanish visa fraud investigation at the Spanish consulate in Algiers, cases reportedly cost up to 25,000 euros

This development follows the arrests of Vicente Moreno, former chancellor of the consulate, and local employee Mohamed B. The Spanish National Court's inquiry, led by Judge María Tardón, stems from alerts issued by the Spanish Embassy in Algeria. Ministry of Interior agents identified a criminal network facilitating fraudulent Schengen visas to Spain. The scandal dates back to 2025 when Spanish business owners reported repeated blockages of professional visas at the consulate general in Algiers, explicitly mentioning a corruption network.

This network allegedly monetized residence permits and reinvested illicit profits into the Spanish automotive market. The presumed corruption network, reportedly led by the former chancellor, is accused of orchestrating visa and residence/work permit trafficking to facilitate irregular immigration of Algerian nationals to the Schengen area. Beneficiaries who did not meet legal criteria allegedly paid for their applications to be validated using false documents.

The criminal enterprise extended beyond Algiers and Spain, with relay networks reportedly regularizing and maintaining these individuals' legal status within the Schengen zone, including France. Judge María Tardón is also seeking to identify all accomplices; the former chancellor's Algerian wife was charged in April. The n