Illegal Visa Racket in Algeria Exposed: France and Spain Schengen Visas Sold Illegally
Algerian Travel Agency Busted for Selling Fake Schengen Visas to France and Spain
A major visa forgery operation has been exposed at Houari Boumédiène International Airport in Algeria, where several individuals, including the owner of a travel agency, were arrested for producing and selling counterfeit Schengen visas. Authorities also seized equipment used in the fraudulent process.
The investigation revealed that the agency fabricated fake visas for France and Spain and collaborated with other individuals involved in migrant smuggling. The criminal case, which originated in June 2024, has now been concluded and is being forwarded to the criminal court for prosecution.
Fake Visas Detected at Border Checks
The scheme came to light when a passenger attempting to fly to Barcelona presented a suspicious seven-day Spanish visa in June 2024. Border officers confirmed it was fake, and the traveler admitted to paying €3,300 for the document, naming the agency as the source.
In October 2024, another Algerian national was caught with a similar counterfeit visa, this time reportedly obtained for €5,300. A family of four and other individuals later came forward with similar claims, stating they also acquired forged French and Spanish visas through the same agency.
Despite the availability of legitimate visa services at a standard €90 fee, many opted for the illegal route, raising questions about the accessibility and transparency of the visa process.
Algeria Among Top Schengen Visa Applicants in 2024
In 2024, Algerians were the sixth-highest nationality applying for Schengen visas, submitting 544,634 applications. Of these, 340,780 were approved while 185,101 were rejected.
France and Spain were the top destinations for Algerian applicants, receiving 352,295 and 123,991 visa applications respectively.
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