arrest of those responsible
This report outlines a police operation in Torrevieja aimed at dismantling a land-document forgery scheme designed to secure temporary protection for residents displaced by war. The effort led to the arrest of three central figures involved in the plot and the detention of sixteen others who used false documents to claim Ukrainian refugee status. Police sources indicate that a notable share of those involved sought protection for themselves or family members from both Russian and Ukrainian communities by exploiting the temporary protection regime established for those displaced by conflict. This scheme created a risk for the integrity of asylum and refugee processes in the region and raised concerns about the misuse of protections intended for genuine victims of war [Police sources].
Initial inquiries began after investigators identified counterfeit papers submitted by two individuals born in Russia who falsely claimed residence in Ukraine. Their objective was to access the temporary protection framework set up for people displaced by the war in Ukraine, a pathway that authorities say is meant to provide swift humanitarian support in times of upheaval rather than to be exploited for illegal gain [Police report].
Items seized by the Police in Torrevieja are listed as evidence of the scale and seriousness of the operation. The seizure included a range of forged documents, stamps, and official papers from Russia and Moldova, alongside devices and materials used for production and alteration. The operation’s evidence also featured new and used laminating machines, printing supplies, electronic sealing devices, and a substantial stock of blank papers and forms. In all, investigators recovered significant cash, amounting to twenty-three thousand five hundred euros, underscoring the financial aspect of the crime and the payments demanded to produce each forged document [Police materials].
Representatives from the Group Unit Against Illegal Immigration Networks and False Documents (UCRIF) Group II in Alicante and UCRIF in Valencia coordinated the effort to trace the origin of the forged papers. Their work mapped how the illicit supply chain operated, from source materials to the final fabrication and submission of documents to front offices claiming to act as agents for those seeking protection. The collaboration between regional units enabled a thorough search of offices and records connected to the conspiracy, revealing a structured operation rather than a series of isolated incidents [UCRIF coordination].
The investigation progressed as investigators detained the principal actors who ran the activity from a Torrevieja consultancy. This centre served as a hub where potential clients were connected to the document fraud network. Prosecutors report that each document could fetch between three thousand and five thousand euros, illustrating a lucratively organized racket that preyed upon vulnerable individuals seeking protection and stability amid war-related turmoil [Prosecutors statement].
During searches, authorities discovered a comprehensive arsenal of fraud-enabling materials. The haul included a large quantity of official papers and stamps, various documents from Russia and Moldova, a ready-to-use printing setup, and multiple pieces of equipment to counterfeit and validate forged records. The operation also seized detailed records of clients and workflows, along with digital materials that facilitated the planning and execution of the scheme. The police described the discovery as revealing a well-equipped operation capable of rapid production and delivery of fraudulent documentation to meet the demands of a disciplined criminal network [Evidence notes].
Three suspects identified as the main organizers were placed in police custody and referred to Education Court no. 3 in Torrevieja for protective custody proceedings as part of the ongoing investigation. A fourth detainee trio, including a woman and two men, were kept under scrutiny while the police continued their inquiries. The remaining individuals who had been questioned were released after providing statements at the police station. The police emphasized that the investigation remains active and that additional arrests could occur after further examination of the extensive physical and digital records seized during the operation [Police custody update].
The investigation continues as authorities analyze the large quantity of data gathered from both paper documents and digital records. Investigators expect to identify more connections within the network and to determine the full extent of the conspiracy. The case illustrates how criminal groups adapt their methods to exploit emergency protections, undermining public trust in refugee and migration systems and endangering genuine applicants who rely on legitimate channels for safety and asylum [Ongoing inquiry notice].