Spanish vice-consul in Algiers arrested in visa trafficking investigation
via Algérie3602 min read
Spanish judicial authorities have ordered the arrest of Vicente Moreno, the Spanish vice-consul in Algiers, and an Algerian national, on suspicion of leading a "criminal structure" within the consulate. This group allegedly facilitated the acquisition of Schengen visas in exchange for money. Moreno, who had been in his post for only a few weeks, is also accused of laundering some of his illicit gains through vehicle purchases. The police operation, named Jazira-Cova, was initiated by the Spanish National Court with support from the anti-corruption prosecutor's office. Both individuals are currently in police custody awaiting a judge's hearing. Additionally, another person from the Spanish consulate in Algiers is under investigation in connection with this operation but has not been arrested. Searches conducted in Sagunto and Torrevieja yielded 10,890 euros in cash, four mobile phones, two laptops, and 17 USB drives. Spanish authorities have also requested the freezing of a property in Madrid and several other financial assets, along with the seizure of all documents, administrative files, and professional emails related to the "fraudulent" issuance of these visas. Moreno was previously investigated by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in November for alleged irregular visa refusals, after applications were denied in the name of former consul Miriam De Andrés, who had already been removed from her position. Spanish business leaders had sent protest letters to Madrid, acc
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Algérie360.
Air Canada has announced the temporary suspension of its direct Montreal-Algiers route for the summer 2026 season, with operations expected to resume in 2027. The airline attributes this decision to a network re-evaluation aimed at ensuring the economic viability of its routes. This move also follows a worsening jet fuel crisis, exacerbated by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which occurred after military interventions in Iran in February, has significantly impacted the aviation industry by doubling the price of aviation fuel in one year and leading to a global supply shortage. Consequently, airlines are reducing flight capacities, driving up prices. Air Canada had initially planned to resume direct flights from June 1, 2026, with four weekly frequencies. However, this program has been suspended. Travelers will now need to consider connecting flights through other international hubs, or rely on Air Algérie for direct long-haul travel on this route.
Abdelmadjid and El Hadj, two undocumented Algerian men, saved a grandfather and his two granddaughters from a house fire in Toulouse. The incident occurred on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, on Rue Etcheverlepo, when the men were driving by and noticed the fire and heard children screaming. Abdelmadjid, thinking of his own daughter, jumped over the fence into the burning property. He first rescued the grandfather, then passed the two girls, aged 3 and 6, to El Hadj, who waited on the other side of the fence. The children were immediately placed in their car. The fire quickly spread, engulfing the 90 square meter house. Emergency services later arrived, and three people were treated for smoke inhalation. Initially suspected by police, the two men were later recognized as heroes by the family they saved. The mother of the girls expressed her gratitude, stating, "They are the heroes. They saved our babies... they are fine thanks to them." Abdelmadjid, who has been in France for ten years, and El Hadj, who arrived in 2023, both hope to regularize their immigration status.
Must ReadAlgeria's Ministry of Pharmaceutical Industry has announced the immediate suspension of new applications for import approvals for pharmaceutical products and medical devices. This decision, communicated via an official note from the Directorate of Pharmaceutical Activities and Regulation, applies to all economic operators seeking to obtain such approvals and will remain in effect "until further notice." The ministry emphasized the critical importance of strictly adhering to this instruction but did not provide specific reasons for the suspension. This measure comes amidst recent tensions in the pharmaceutical market, with reports of shortages or stockouts of several pharmaceutical products in pharmacies across the country. On April 2, the Minister of Industry, Wassim Kouidri, acknowledged these difficulties, noting that some pharmaceutical products were experiencing tension or rupture. However, he clarified that these products remained available in the stocks held by importing, manufacturing, or wholesale distribution pharmaceutical establishments. In response to the situation, the minister issued firm instructions for the release of available stocks, adherence to distribution deadlines between 48 hours and 5 days, and strengthened inspection missions. He also warned that any non-compliance could lead to sanctions, including the withdrawal of approvals. This suspension contrasts with a recent decision by the same ministry to ease procedures for importing pharmaceutical raw ma
Spanish shipping company Baleària is enhancing its maritime connections between Spain and Algeria, responding to increased demand and the needs of the Algerian diaspora. The company has unveiled new routes and services tailored for Algerian travelers, including halal catering and prayer areas. Over ten years in Algeria, Baleària has transported nearly 900,000 passengers. The company celebrated its decade of operations in Algiers, with its president, Adolfo Utor, and general director, Georges Bassoul, present alongside Algerian government representatives and partners. Since opening its first route, Valencia-Mostaganem, in 2016, Baleària has expanded its network to include six maritime links: Valencia-Mostaganem 2016, Valencia-Algiers 2024, Valencia-Oran 2024, Alicante-Oran 2024, occasional links, Barcelona-Algiers 2025, and Barcelona-Oran 2025. The company reported transporting 900,000 passengers, 360,000 vehicles, and approximately 100,000 linear meters of freight in Algeria over ten years. After a slowdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic, growth has resumed, with 2025 marking a record 165,000 passengers. Baleària views Algeria as a key strategic market for its international expansion, aiming for sustainable growth and strengthened economic and human exchanges. Services on board include Arabic-speaking staff, halal food, prayer rooms, family services, and Wi-Fi. The routes are served by ferries such as the Rosalind Franklin and Regina Baltica. Baleària also contributes to local