Spain’s National Court has expanded an investigation into an alleged visa fraud operation at the Spanish Consulate in Algiers, bringing BLS, an Indian company responsible for visa appointment scheduling and document processing, under scrutiny.
The probe began following the arrests of Vicente Moreno, the consulate’s chancellor and second-in-command, and local employee Mohamed Boutouchent in Spain last April.
Investigators are examining allegations that a network helped applicants obtain Schengen visas, residence permits and self-employment work permits despite failing to meet the required conditions.
According to judicial sources cited by Spanish outlet The Objective, the alleged operation was brought to authorities’ attention through communications from the Spanish Embassy in Algeria.
Applicants were reportedly charged substantial sums to have applications processed with altered, incomplete or fraudulent documents. In some cases, families allegedly paid as much as €25,000.
Judge María Tardón of the National Court’s Central Court of Instruction Number 3 is overseeing the investigation.
Investigators Examine BLS Role and Alleged Money Laundering
The court is examining the possible involvement of administrative service providers, including platforms handling appointments and visa documentation.
Investigators have specifically referred to processing platforms such as BLS, while the precise role and responsibility of the company remain part of the probe.
The investigation also involves allegations that people who paid bribes received preferential access while applicants meeting legitimate requirements were allegedly denied appointments.
Spanish authorities are investigating possible money laundering as well. Investigators suspect proceeds from the alleged scheme were channelled into apparently legitimate transactions, particularly vehicle purchases.
The case involves allegations including money laundering, offences against foreign citizens’ rights, repeated document falsification by a public official, influence peddling and participation in a criminal organisation.
BLS received a €175 million contract from Spain’s Foreign Ministry in 2016 to manage visa appointments and document processing at selected Spanish consulates worldwide.
During searches in Sagunto and Torrevieja, authorities reportedly seized cash, phones, laptops and USB drives. They have also sought to freeze property and financial assets and preserve Foreign Ministry records and corporate emails connected with the alleged visa scheme.
