Spanish court probes Indian firm BLS over alleged €25,000 Schengen visa fraud scheme

Spanish judges have widened a criminal inquiry into a visa fraud network after receiving alerts from the Spanish Embassy in Algeria. The investigation, overseen by Judge María Tardón, now scrutinizes BLS International, a company contracted by Spain’s Foreign Ministry to manage visa appointments and document handling. Allegations claim the network demanded up to €25,000 per family to secure Schengen visas, often using altered or forged documents to bypass eligibility rules.

Earlier arrests included consulate chancellor Vicente Moreno, his employee Mohamed Boutouchent, and an investigation into Moreno's spouse. Prosecutors are probing money laundering, influence peddling, repeated document falsification, crimes against foreign citizens, and membership in a criminal organization, with claims that bribe money was laundered through vehicle purchases in Spain. The case also questions whether firms such as BLS processed applications for bribe-paying clients, disadvantaging legitimate applicants.