The National Police dismantled the Spanish branch of an international criminal organization involved in migrant trafficking. The ring spread across several countries and operated by paying more than 300 Nepali-origin individuals as much as 20,000 euros to obtain fake visas. These documents enabled entry into Spain, the passing of citizenship tests, and employment as undercover workers in Indian cuisine venues.
Nine suspects have been arrested—seven in Madrid and two in Las Palmas—on charges related to the illegal trafficking of 83 migrants, according to a statement from the General Directorate of Police issued this week. The operation involved around 300 supposed participants in the scheme.
The investigation traces back to a police operation conducted in 2022 that led to the dismantling of a criminal network focused on illegal migration processes involving Indian nationals. The probe uncovered the existence of a separate cell headquartered in Madrid that is linked to a larger international crime family network. This group specializes in Nepali migrant trafficking and has established remote branches in India, Nepal, Lithuania, and Poland.
The trafficking route, commonly referred to as the smuggling route, began in Nepal, the migrants country of origin, and extended through India where European embassies and consulates are located to facilitate documentation for Nepalese citizens. The files were prepared and fake D visas issued from there, granting residence, education, or work rights in the Schengen area for periods exceeding 90 days.
As part of the operation, smugglers recruited Nepali and European recruitment companies that offered bogus job and training placements. These promises served as the pretext for issuing visas that never materialized and created the legal façade for the migrants to travel.
The investigation also identified a route through Poland and Malta that allowed Indians with forged visas to reach the Schengen zone. Migrants would stay just long enough to fulfill minimal legal requirements before continuing to work undercover in Indian restaurants until the organization arranged a second transfer by air to Spain, the journey’s final destination.
Investigators confirmed that part of the network sought to facilitate Spanish citizenship tests for Nepalese migrants. The operation charged a 5,000 euro fee for this service. Secret agreements with some language academies helped obtain test questions in advance or involved fraud in completing the examinations. The certificates and diplomas needed for Spanish citizenship were obtained through these fraudulent arrangements.
The police operation culminated in the seizure of 7,955 euros in cash, numerous electronic devices and computers, and a collection of documents tied to the investigation. This material was recovered during searches conducted at two Madrid residences, signaling the breadth of the network and its reliance on multiple hubs within the country. The case illustrates how criminal groups exploit the legal processes of different nations to move people across borders, secure fake documentation, and insert workers into sectors where formal oversight may be limited. Law enforcement continues to pursue the remaining leads, aiming to dismantle every layer of this international operation and to ensure accountability for all involved parties.