In Jaén, officers of the National Police carried out a large-scale operation against a criminal group that was organizing the legalization of migrants from Maghreb countries through fake couple registrations. Over the course of a year-long investigation, authorities uncovered more than 300 cases of residence permit fraud and arrested 48 people involved in the scheme.
According to investigators, members of the network offered foreigners services to obtain documents to legalize their status in Spain. Each of these ‘services’ cost clients up to 12,000 euros. As a result, the criminal organization earned over 30 million euros, operating in several regions across the country.
Complex structure
The investigation began in early February 2025, when police received reports of suspicious residency applications based on so-called ‘white’ marriages. These sham unions were registered in Catalonia, with addresses listed in Torredonjimeno (Jaén). During the inspection, authorities discovered the documents submitted for these permits were forged, ranging from bogus registration certificates and rental agreements to fake stable relationship certificates.
Most of the fake couples consisted of Moroccan men and Spanish women living in Málaga. For legalization, foreigners registered as couples at notary offices in Barcelona, after first obtaining fake address registrations. There were no real relationships between the participants—the only thing uniting them was financial interest.
Geography and Roles
The network operated not only in Jaén, but also in Barcelona, Melilla, Tenerife, and Malaga. Roles within the organization were clearly defined: the leaders—citizens of Spain and Morocco—coordinated operations, recruited new participants, and managed financial flows. Some members were responsible for finding Spanish women willing to enter into fake marriages and organizing their travel between Malaga and Barcelona.
Other participants were in charge of producing fake documents required to apply for residency. There were also so-called ‘mules’ who handled the transfer and cashing of the obtained funds. During a search of the main suspect’s home in Badalona (Badalona, Barcelona), police seized 17,000 euros in cash, documents, and electronic devices.
Arrest Details
Police units from Jaén, Barcelona, Vélez-Málaga, and Civil Guard representatives from Periana (Periana, Málaga) took part in the operation. A total of 37 women and 11 men were detained in various cities: Jaén, Malaga, Vélez-Málaga, Tenerife, and Barcelona. All of them have been charged with document forgery, facilitating illegal migration, and participating in a criminal organization.
The investigation is ongoing, and the number of detainees may increase. Police have already contacted immigration authorities to request the cancellation of all residence permits obtained with forged documents. An audit has also been launched to check for unlawful receipt of social benefits.
Consequences and Actions
Authorities intend to tighten controls over couple registrations and the issuance of residence permits. Special attention is being paid to verifying documents and identifying sham marriages used to circumvent immigration laws. Procedures are expected to be reviewed soon, with increased cooperation between various agencies.
