Spanish police link consulate visa ring to Algiers properties

The Economic and Fiscal Crime Unit (UDEF) has documented the purchase of at least six properties in Algiers by the couple leading the Spanish consulate visa scheme, between 2016 and 2021 for 120 million Algerian dinars. National Court judge María Tardón has been investigating the case since arrests made in late April.

The UDEF of the National Police has quantified what were until recently suspicions regarding visa trafficking at the Spanish Consulate General in Algiers. Its agents have informed National Court judge **María Tardón** that they have documentary evidence of the purchase of "at least" six properties in the Algerian capital by **Beljoudi**, one of the names appearing in the case. The expenditure: **120 million Algerian dinars**, equivalent to approximately **€783,919** at the current exchange rate.

## Wealth built over five years

The properties were acquired between **2016 and 2021**, meaning within a span of just five years. This detail is significant: if the assets were built during this period, the alleged visa trafficking within the Spanish mission would date back at least a decade. The investigation began with several arrests in late April, when the UDEF carried out the first detentions.

The magistrate has so far charged six individuals. The first to be investigated were then-consul or deputy head of the mission, **Vicente Moreno**, and local employee **Mohamed Boutouchent**, arrested in Spain six months ago. The case remains open and charges do not equate to a conviction.

## Consulate deputy among suspects

The case highlights the internal operations of the consulate, where visas were allegedly expedited outside ordinary channels. The comparison with everyday life for citizens is inevitable: while here appointments pile up for any procedure, in Algiers visas were issued with a estimulante ilegal that, according to documents handled by agents, allowed for the acquisition of six apartments.

Judge Tardón's inquiry now seeks to determine the scope of the network and whether the detected real estate assets stem from payments for those visas. For now, the UDEF speaks of documentary proof of purchases, not a verdict.

## What is known and what remains to be proven

The six properties are located in Algiers and their combined value is around **€783,919**. The investigation continues and figures may expand. Any conclusion on incivil responsibility rests with the courts.