Large international action in Spain - destroyed industrial laboratory of forged documents

Operation accomplished on May 27, delivered a serious blow to organised crime groups dealing with smuggling migrants towards the European Union.

During the action, one person was arrested and about 800 forged European documents, advanced equipment for their production, electronic equipment, vehicles and cash were seized.

During the search of the rented apartment under false identity, police discovered a fully functional illegal workshop. Investigators said the object was operating in “industrial”, showing a new trend of criminal groups using mass production of false documents for huge financial benefits.

The detainee allegedly managed a sophisticated online platform through which he sold forged identification documents and administrative documents, both physical and digital, to clients throughout Europe.

According to the investigation, the network directly facilitated the smuggling of migrants by supplying criminal groups with false documents used to avoid border controls, deceive the right to stay and facilitate movements within the EU.

The investigation began after authorities discovered a website openly advertising forged documents. With Europol's analytical help, French and Spanish authorities managed to locate the suspect in Alicant, where he has been hiding since 2024.

European authorities estimate that counterfeiting documents is one of the main factors that promote smuggling of migrants and illegal legalisation of staying in the Schengen area, generating millions of profits for criminal networks and endangering security throughout Europe. /Telegraphy/