Barcelona (Pakistan News) In a major operation against illegal immigration in Barcelona, Spain, the Catalan National Police have uncovered an alleged network that generated millions of euros by facilitating the entry of Pakistani nationals into Spain and arranging for the legalization of their residency. According to the police, 50 individuals have been arrested—including 43 business figures and two women while three key suspects from the network have been remanded to prison by court order.
According to the Catalan police force, Mossos d’Esquadra, the alleged network had been active since 2019, with operations spanning from the Catalonia region of Spain all the way to Pakistan. Investigations reveal that the network targeted individuals in Pakistan who sought to relocate to Spain for employment and legal residency.
These individuals were charged large sums of money under the pretext of securing Spanish work visas, employment contracts, and residency permits. According to the Barcelona police, those wishing to travel from Pakistan to Spain were allegedly charged between €25,000 and €30,000—an amount equivalent to approximately 10 million Pakistani rupees.
Investigations have revealed that certain business owners involved in the network provided employment contracts through their companies; however, many of these contracts were allegedly fraudulent. These contracts paved the way for individuals—who otherwise could not have obtained such authorization through legal channels—to enter Spain or secure residence permits. According to the National Police, between March 2022 and July 2023, the network facilitated 224 employment-based applications, 108 of which were approved.
Earnings in the Millions of Euros
According to the investigation, this alleged network generated over 3.2 million euros through fraudulent employment arrangements and immigration documentation. The police state that this figure excludes earnings from applications that were either rejected or remained incomplete.
The investigation further revealed that some individuals, upon arriving in Spain, were forced to work under dire conditions, while in other instances, the employment existed only on paper. According to the Catalan police in Barcelona, 12 alleged members of the network and 62 business owners have been identified in connection with this case.
Those arrested are facing various charges, including facilitating illegal immigration, the use of forged documents, and involvement in a criminal organization. The police reported that the arrests were carried out in two separate phases on October 26 and 27, and three key suspects from the network have been remanded to prison by court order.