Overview
- Operación Vínculo, launched early 2025 by Jaén’s immigration unit, traced a coordinated scheme operating across Barcelona, Málaga, Melilla and Tenerife.
- Investigators say the network used falsified municipal registrations in Barcelona and notarized domestic‑partner records to secure EU family residence cards.
- Police detained 48 suspects — 37 women and 11 men — in Jaén, Málaga, Vélez‑Málaga, Tenerife and Barcelona.
- The group allegedly charged up to €12,000 per case, with investigators estimating leaders profited by more than €30 million.
- A search in Badalona seized €17,000 in cash along with documents and devices, and authorities are moving to void permits and recover social benefits as the probe continues.