The Spanish National Police have dismantled a criminal organization specializing in fabricating Spanish nationality documents for Senegalese nationals. On October 7, 2026, the police operation resulted in thirteen arrests, twelve in Ferrol and one in Coruña, in the Galicia region. Authorities also seized 24,000 euros in cash and thirty-nine presumed fake Senegalese passports. The investigation began after detecting several suspicious applications from Senegalese citizens residing in La Coruña province.
The police found that the cases were not isolated but part of an organized and continuous activity. The organization's modus operandi involved simulating non-existent family ties. Third parties would pose as parents or close relatives of applicants to help them access Spanish nationality through "option," a legal procedure reserved for those with a family link to a Spanish citizen. This process was abused using manipulated Senegalese passports, irregularly obtained residence certificates, and falsified documents.
The organization was described as "hierarchical" with well-defined roles. Members were responsible for recruiting candidates, providing fraudulent documentation, managing irregular registrations, or coordinating administrative steps to give the appearance of legality to the files. Among those arrested were several naturalized Senegalese citizens and a lawyer who allegedly played a central role in preparing dossiers and managing procedures.
The thirteen suspects face charges of association of wrongdoers, documentary forgery, and offenses against foreigners' rights. Three searches were conducted, uncovering abundant documentation that will be analyzed to determine the network's exact scope and the number of files processed. The lawyer's involvement is particularly noteworthy, as she would have facilitated the creation of fake family ties.
The police operation highlights the complexity of the network and its ability to manipulate legal procedures for personal gain. The fake passports and documents seized suggest a large-scale operation that may have affected many Senegalese nationals. Authorities will likely continue to investigate and identify other individuals involved in the network.
The dismantling of this network is a significant blow to organized crime groups exploiting legal loopholes. Spanish authorities have demonstrated their commitment to combating document fraud and protecting the integrity of nationality and immigration processes. The case also underscores the need for vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies to address transnational crime.
According to Khadydja Ndiaye, the police operation was a success, but the full extent of the network's activities remains to be seen. Further analysis of the seized documentation is necessary to understand the scope of the organization's crimes. The case will likely continue to unfold as authorities work to bring all those involved to justice.
Key points
- Thirteen people arrested in Ferrol and Coruña for involvement in a fake passport network.
- Thirty-nine fake Senegalese passports and 24,000 euros seized during the operation.
- The network exploited Spanish nationality procedures, using fake family ties and manipulated documents.
