A major operation has concluded in Catalonia, targeting a criminal group specializing in illegally legalizing foreigners. Seven individuals have been arrested as a result, operating in Barcelona, Castelldefels, and Badalona. They are accused of running schemes that enabled undocumented migrants to obtain residency rights in Spain and other European countries.
The scheme involved matching clients with fake partners for civil unions and producing forged proof-of-residence documents. The perpetrators charged up to €15,000 per client for their services. In some cases, they used stolen or counterfeit IDs belonging to women residing in Spain to increase the chances of residency applications being approved.
Investigators found that the victims were primarily people in extremely vulnerable situations. They were promised a quick and guaranteed path to legalization, but in reality, many ended up being exploited. Some were housed in unsanitary conditions—cramped rooms, and sometimes even closets barely big enough to fit a bed or sofa. Such living arrangements were part of the scheme to create the appearance of living with a fake partner.
The investigation revealed that the group’s activities extended beyond Spain. Documents prepared by network members were also used to submit legalization applications in Germany, France, and Belgium. In addition to the main suspects in custody, ten more individuals have been charged with offenses including forming a criminal organization, facilitating illegal migration, document forgery, identity theft, and money laundering.
