Pay €25,000 for Schengen visa: Indian company BLS under probe after Spain’s Algerian migration crisis
Indian company BLS International has been drawn into a Spanish National Court investigation with links to alleged visa fraud network at Spain’s consulate in Algiers. The allegations have been denied by the firm.The probe, led by Judge María Tardón, was expanded to examine the role of companies handling visa appointments and document processing, including BLS, which is contracted by Spain’s Foreign Ministry, as reported by Spanish news outlet The Objective.However, BLS International issued a statement rejecting any involvement in the alleged irregularities. “There is no evidence establishing any wrongdoing by BLS International or its employees in relation to the issuance of visas. BLS International’s role is strictly administrative and is carried out in accordance with the requirements prescribed by the competent authorities,” said the firm.“All decisions relating to the processing and issuance or refusal of visas rest solely with the relevant diplomatic and consular authorities. BLS International remains committed to the highest standards of integrity, transparency, compliance and service delivery, and to its role as a trusted service partner to governments and citizens across the world,” it added.The investigation began following “official communications” from the Spanish Embassy in Algeria, which alerted authorities to a network allegedly “profiting through the fraudulent issuance of Schengen visas”. Judicial sources said the network allegedly charged applicants up to €25,000 per family to secure visas and residence or work permits, including for people who did not meet the formal requirements.The case initially led to the arrests of consulate chancellor Vicente Moreno and local employee Mohamed Boutouchent in April. Moreno’s wife was also placed under investigation.Investigators allege Spanish officials and Algerian staff worked with outside companies involved in appointment scheduling and document management to prioritise applicants who paid bribes. The alleged network is accused of using unverified, altered or falsified documents to facilitate migration to Spain and, in some cases, secure residency in Spain or France.The judge is investigating five reported offences: money laundering, crimes against the rights of foreign citizens, repeated document falsification by a public official, influence peddling and membership in a criminal organisation. Investigators also claim that cash bribes were later laundered in Spain, including through vehicle purchases.
Why BLS is under scrutiny
The court has specifically referred to “processing platforms like BLS” as part of its investigation into collaborating companies. BLS was awarded a €175 million Spanish Foreign Ministry contract in 2016 to manage visa appointments and document processing at certain consulates. The company had taken over work previously handled by another Indian firm, VFS Global.The investigation is also examining whether such service providers helped create or process applications for applicants who paid the alleged bribes, while legitimate applicants were denied or bypassed.
