In Melilla, officers of the National Police carried out a large-scale operation to dismantle a group involved in the fraudulent registration of foreign nationals. According to law enforcement, the scheme aimed to facilitate the acquisition of residence permits and national ID cards for individuals who did not meet the established requirements.
The investigation began after specialists combating illegal migration and document forgery noticed a sharp increase in suspicious registrations in the municipal registry. Inspection revealed that many foreigners were registered at addresses where they did not actually reside. This allowed them to obtain residence permits and other official documents required for legalizing their stay in Spain.
During the investigative actions, police analyzed documents, visited the listed addresses, interviewed witnesses, and examined border crossing data. It was found that not only foreign nationals were involved in the scheme, but also property owners who agreed to sign fake rental contracts. In some cases, intermediaries were involved in facilitating the fraudulent registrations.
As a result of the operation, 30 people were detained on charges of document forgery and violating the rights of foreign nationals. The case materials have been referred to Melilla’s courts for further proceedings.
Police note that such schemes not only violate migration laws but also pose additional security risks for the region. The agency continues its efforts to identify new incidents and prevent similar crimes, working in cooperation with other law enforcement bodies and international organizations.
Melilla, as a Spanish enclave on the northern coast of Africa, has traditionally remained one of the key points for migration flows. Authorities emphasize the importance of monitoring residency registration and tightening measures against fraudulent schemes to ensure transparency and legality in migration processes.
