This is the largest investigation by the Mossos d'Esquadra to date in the field of irregular immigration. The network targeted Pakistani citizens interested in obtaining residence and work permits in Spain, simulating employment relationships to facilitate their entry or administrative regularization. Investigators have arrested 7 alleged members of the criminal organization and 43 employers allegedly involved in fraudulent applications. The organization reportedly processed 224 'hiring from origin' applications, with 108 receiving favorable resolutions, and victims paid up to 30,000 euros to obtain the necessary documentation and work contract to enter the country.
The investigation has confirmed the existence of a stable, hierarchical structure with a defined division of labor, active since 2019. It was primarily based in Catalonia with branches in Pakistan. Members allegedly acted as intermediaries between Pakistani citizens seeking residence and work permits and employers willing to provide labor contracts and instrumental documentation in exchange for financial compensation.
The investigation began following the analysis of documentation seized during searches conducted in late February 2024 as part of a previous investigation into human trafficking for labor exploitation. Forensic analysis of the seized computer equipment revealed the existence of a new criminal organization with members based in Barcelona and its surrounding areas, as well as collaborators in Pakistan.
According to the investigation, the organization recruited individuals in Pakistan interested in moving to and working in Spain, offering them the possibility of obtaining a work visa and residence permit for substantial fees. Concurrently, the network also targeted individuals already in Spain irregularly, seeking to regularize their status through simulated employment contracts. The accused allegedly prepared the necessary documentation for 'hiring from origin' applications, including civil registrations and other administrative documents.
Investigators have verified that the illicit activity generated significant financial profits. Individuals from Pakistan paid amounts up to 30,000 euros, while those in Spain paid up to 8,000 euros for simulated contracts. Between March 2022 and July 2023, the organization reportedly processed 224 applications, with 108 receiving favorable resolutions, generating estimated profits exceeding 3.2 million euros.
Investigation efforts have identified 12 alleged members of the criminal organization and up to 62 employers involved in various economic activities. The police operation was carried out in two phases on October 26 and 27, involving 81 officers. Most arrests occurred in Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Badalona, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, and Sant Adrià de Besòs, as well as in Sabadell, Terrassa, Vic, Sant Boi de Llobregat, and Sant Vicenç dels Horts.
The alleged members are charged with crimes of belonging to a criminal organization, against the rights of foreign citizens, and document forgery. The arrested employers face charges related to offenses against the rights of foreign citizens and document forgery. The investigation, overseen by the Barcelona Court of Instruction and the Barcelona Prosecutor's Office for Trafficking of Persons and Foreigners, remains open.
The Mossos d'Esquadra are reinforcing the fight against human trafficking and provide two contact channels: the email stopexplotacio@mossos.cat and a QR code linking to a form (in English, Spanish, and Catalan) for quickly reporting potential cases of human trafficking or exploitation situations directly to the police.
