Overview

• Agents arrested 37 individuals in Tarragona and Girona on June 25 following a six-month investigation into sham unions between Spanish citizens and Moroccan nationals.
• Investigators identified more than 132 fraudulent de facto partnerships that secured residence permits using falsified cohabitation certificates.
• Moroccan nationals paid up to €10 000 to join the scheme while Spanish participants received about €1 000 each for posing as partners.
• Searches in Barcelona, Girona and Tarragona seized computers, mobile devices and documents outlining a clear hierarchy led by a central ringleader.
• Authorities uncovered over €1 million in illicit gains and highlighted the need for tighter controls on residency applications.