Criminal gang caught forging documents in Torrevieja

a gang has been dismantled in torrevieja after its members were caught offering falsified documents to citizens of other countries so that they could claim links with the Ukraine and benefit from the social and financial systemsavailable for those displaced by the war.

national police officers have arrested 19 people after an investigation. the operation began after forged documents were presented by two russian citizens, who were posing as residents of Ukraine. the documents were passed to the Unit against illegal immigration networks and document Falsification (UCriF) of alicante and to the UCriF of Valencia, with the units joining forces to find out where the documents came from.

during the investigation, officers initially made 16 arrests over document falsification for citizens from russia, Belarus, Georgia and Moldova who had al acquired fake documents. these ranged from permanent residence cards and certificates, marriage licences, birth or death certificates among others.

Finally, officers located the alleged main perpetrators behindthe forgeries. these were a woman and two men who ran an agency in torrevieja.

they identified potential clients for the illegal documents from people who came to the business with genuine requirement. Clients were charged between 3,000 and 5,000 euros for each document.

thethree detainees are accused of the crimes of documentary falsification, favouring illegal immigration and belonging to a criminal gang.

in the searches carried out, officers seized documentation from the detainees, printing stamps, headed paper, official documents from countries such as russia and Moldova. there was also tools and equipment such as an electronic sealer, a dataphone, two laminators, photographic paper and numerous software programs all used for the forgery of documents. they also seized 23,500 euros in cash. those arrested were placed at the disposal of the investigating Court 3 of the torrevieja Guard. the rest of the detainees were released after making a statement at the police station. the investigation is still open and further arrests are not being ruled out once the analysis of the large amount of data, both physical and digital, of the documents seized has been completed.

Orihuela Costa ‘thrown to wolves’ by the Royal British Legion

despite being the most successful branch by far in terms of monies raised, a third of all poppy appeal donations generated amongst the district’s 15 branches, very nearly half a million euros in it’s ten years of existence, the orihuela Costa Branch and it’s 140 members, has been ‘thrown to the wolves’ by the Spain district north Committee, abandoning it’s supporters, as the branch is put into ‘administration’……. and it’s sin….allowing a branch standard bearer to attend an outdoor memorial event, held on a very hot summer’s day, in shirt sleeve order. it seems as though the sentiment ‘duty of care’ regularly quoted by the rBl, is only a ‘sound bite’ for the ears of the general public, as it is certainly not being applied to members and supporters in this part of Spain. the branch has been unable to meet for over 4 months since the Chairman, followed by the remainder of the committee, was effectively ‘relieved of it’s duties’ by the district Committee, and despite many complaints and appeals submitted to the heaquarters in london, as long ago as last october, the hierarchy would appear to be ‘sitting on their hands’ no doubt hoping that the matter will simply go away. But unconcerned by events elsewhere, many former members still continue to get together regularly on a social basis, the latest gathering of which took place on easter Sunday, where almost 60 of them spent the afternoon in Yolo’s Cabo roig, enjoying a fine Sunday lunch. there was little talk of the rBl at the tables but where there was it about how let down they feel by an organisation which purports to support veterans, to which many in attendance have given years of loyal service. nevertheless, former Secretary Jean heald said that she will continue to organise social events for this group of veterans for as long as they are required, the next of which will take place on Wednesday 24 May at the Captain’s table in punta prima. Following a short session of seated exercise there will be a presentation by Mark nolan of n332 on the new environmental laws that are currently being introduced for motorists, followed by a ‘Fish n Chip’ lunch. anyone wishing more information, or to book, should contact Jean by email at: rogolius@gmail.com