Immigration network dismantled in the Basque Country charged up to €10,000 to regularise migrants
The National Police arrested 19 people in Vizcaya and San Sebastián for allegedly falsifying documentation to obtain residence permits. A total of 118 cases have been established, with at least 42 permits granted irregularly.
Nineteen arrested in operation against network of firms falsifying immigration documents
The National Police have dismantled a criminal organisation in the Basque Country allegedly dedicated to facilitating irregular immigration through forged documentation in foreigners' administrative procedures. According to ABC, the operation concluded on 8 May with the arrest of 19 people in the province of Vizcaya—18 detained—and in San Sebastián—one—, including the main ringleaders of the network and six lawyers.
The organisation offered migrants a complete "package" of regularisation for sums ranging between €5,000 and €10,000 per person. To this end, it had a hierarchical structure with companies, management firms and law offices distributed across four premises: three in Bilbao city centre and one in the Guipúzcoan capital.
Origins of the investigation
The investigation began in July 2025, when officials from the Sub-delegation of the Government of Vizcaya detected "approximately ten" cases that aroused their suspicion. After communicating this to the National Police headquarters in the Basque Country, enquiries began immediately and the case was referred to the courts in December of that same year.
Officers identified an unusual increase in applications for temporary residence authorisations on exceptional grounds submitted by Moroccan and Algerian citizens, in which allegedly forged documentation was provided.
Fictitious registrations and manipulated bank statements
The network specialised in the preparation and submission of false registration certificates, fraudulent training course certificates, manipulated bank statements and forged medical reports. Some members recruited clients whilst others located addresses where fictitious registrations could be carried out, thereby forming a stable network of addresses at the service of the scheme.
Among the facilities offered by the law offices involved was the possibility of processing residence permits without the applicant being physically present in Spanish territory. It was sufficient to send photocopies of passports, proof of registration, bank account openings or medical documentation.
118 documented instances and 42 permits granted
During the investigation, officers identified a total of 118 instances of document falsification. At least 42 residence permits were granted as a direct consequence of these irregular actions.
The National Police also note that the organisation could have links with the arrival of migrant boats on Spanish shores from Algeria, this being a direct source of recruitment of migrants for the network.
Searches and material seized
On 6 May, two days before the arrests, officers carried out searches at two management firms and a law office. From the three premises, officers seized over €14,000 in cash, extensive computer equipment, forged documents and various documentation linked to the activities under investigation.
Among those arrested is also a Spanish national who was responsible for client recruitment activities. All those arrested face charges of offences against the rights of foreign citizens, document falsification and membership of a criminal organisation.
Source: ABC