Spanish Consulate in Algiers: Three more employees implicated in visa trafficking probe

A Spanish judicial investigation into alleged Schengen visa trafficking at the Spanish Consulate in Algiers has expanded, with three additional employees now being formally implicated. The new individuals identified by Judge María Tardón of the Spanish National Court include Maua Belkacemi, secretary to Consul General Gauden Villas, and two administrative agents, Hocine Malek and Lylia Dricy.

This development brings the total number of people under investigation to six. Previous indictments issued in April included Vicente Moreno, the former deputy head of the mission, a local employee named Mohamed Boutouchent, and Moreno’s wife. The investigation also reportedly involves BLS, an Indian company providing visa appointment services.

Despite the gravity of the allegations, the three newly implicated employees reportedly continue to perform their duties at the consulate. In response to the situation, the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs is scheduled to send an inspection mission to Algiers on September 20.