Spanish Police Uncover Alleged Visa Trafficking Network in Algeria

The Spanish police have identified six properties in Algiers acquired by the wife of a former Spanish consular official, Vicente Moreno, between 2016 and 2021. The properties are valued at approximately 784,000 euros. According to a report by the Economic and Fiscal Crime Unit (UDEF) of the Spanish police, the acquisitions were made by Amina Nessrine Beljoudi, wife of Moreno, who was the second-in-command at the Spanish Consulate General in Algiers.

The report, which was transmitted to Judge María Tardón, who is handling the case at the Spanish National Audience, suggests that the properties were purchased using funds obtained through an alleged visa trafficking network. The network is believed to have issued Schengen visas irregularly in exchange for up to 25,000 euros per family. The funds were then laundered in Spain, partly through the purchase of vehicles.

Amina Nessrine Beljoudi has denied the allegations, stating that she does not own any properties in Algeria and was not professionally involved with BLS, a private company responsible for managing visa appointments and applications. Her denial was made through her lawyer. The case now involves six people, including Vicente Moreno and a local consulate employee who were arrested in Spain in late April.

Three other consular employees were implicated in September, including the general consul's secretary and two visa service agents. The investigation suggests that the alleged network may have also acquired properties in Portugal, although no further details were provided. The Spanish police have been working to unravel the network's operations and identify those involved.

The alleged visa trafficking network is believed to have operated out of the Spanish Consulate in Algiers. The network's activities are thought to have taken place between 2016 and 2021, during which time Moreno was serving as the second-in-command at the consulate. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to determine the full extent of the network's activities.

The case has raised concerns about corruption and irregularities in the visa application process. Authorities have been working to strengthen procedures and prevent similar cases of corruption in the future. The Spanish government has not commented on the case, but officials have stated that they are taking steps to improve the integrity of the visa application process.

The investigation into the alleged visa trafficking network is ongoing, with authorities working to identify and prosecute those involved. The case has highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in the visa application process, both in Spain and in countries such as Algeria where the consulate operates.

Key points

• The Spanish police have identified six properties worth nearly 784,000 euros linked to the wife of a former Spanish consular official in Algeria.
• The alleged visa trafficking network is believed to have issued Schengen visas irregularly in exchange for up to 25,000 euros per family.
• The case involves six people, including a former Spanish consular official and several consulate employees.