Spanish authorities dismantle criminal organization procuring European nationalities for Moroccan newborns

The Spanish National Police has arrested 79 people who were allegedly involved in facilitating criminal activity, consisting of fraudulent practices to obtain Spanish nationality for Moroccan newborns in Melilla.

The mothers of these minors were women of Moroccan origin who came to the autonomous city while pregnant to give birth in the Regional Hospital, according to El Faro de Melilla.

The news outlet explains that through intermediaries, these women contacted men of Spanish nationality willing to recognize the newborns as biological children in the Civil Registry of Melilla, in exchange for amounts ranging between 1500 and 3000 euros.

The children acquired Spanish nationality and the mothers were able to apply for authorization to reside in Spain, thanks to their Spanish children.

According to what investigators disclosed to El Faro de Melilla, at least 78 newborns in Melilla would have obtained Spanish nationality through this fraudulent method.

The investigation, initiated by agents of the National Police in Melilla, has revealed the scheme which takes advantage of the visa exemption and the Good Neighbor Agreement existing between Spain and Morocco.

The women entered the enclave in an advanced state of gestation, says the same source, adding that the culprits contacted men of Spanish nationality of Moroccan origin, who then claimed to be the biological fathers of the children in exchange for a sum of money.

The minors automatically obtained the certificate of nationality with which their mothers requested the Spanish documentation, ID card or passport.

The mothers were able to start the procedures to obtain a residence permit for “exceptional circumstances,” as the parent of a minor of Spanish nationality.

The regularization of the situation of mothers and children also allowed for the subsequent request of family reunification, which allowed the real fathers to legally access Spain through a family Schengen area.

The investigations carried out by Spanish authorities have revealed a total of 117 people involved in this scheme, including mothers of newborns, fictitious parents, and intermediaries.

In order to dismantle the scheme, a nationwide police operation has been carried out, in which more than 150 agents have participated, resulting in 51 arrests in Melilla and 28 more in Spain.

The culprits have been charged with crimes against the rights of foreign citizens, false documentation, and belonging to a criminal organization.

Search and arrest warrants have been issued for an additional 38 individuals.

Following these events, “the Government in Melilla will initiate the necessary administrative procedures for the termination of the residence permits of the children’s mothers. while the Melilla Public Prosecutor’s Office has been urged to take the appropriate measures to revoke the Spanish nationalities of the children.”

The investigation has been carried out exclusively by the Melilla authorities, but as so much time has passed since the crime was committed, some of the perpetrators were outside the enclave.

Local authorities have since sought the support of the authorities from other provinces, to locate the perpetrators, hear their statements, and proceed with arrests, under the General Commissariat of Foreigners and Borders.