Police have dismantled a sophisticated document forgery operation in Alicante that allegedly supplied fake identity and travel documents across Europe.
The joint operation, carried out by the Policia Nacional, France’s Office for the Fight Against Illegal Immigration (OLTIM) and supported by Europol, resulted in the arrest of one suspect believed to be the key figure behind the network.
Investigators seized 795 counterfeit documents ready to be personalised and distributed, along with specialist equipment used to produce the fake paperwork.
The investigation began in September 2025 after French authorities uncovered evidence suggesting a document-forging operation was being run from Spain.
Subsequent enquiries led officers to Alicante, where they identified a suspect allegedly responsible for both producing and distributing the fake documents.
According to police, the forged paperwork was being marketed through a dedicated website and shipped to customers across multiple European countries.
Among the documents on offer were national identity cards from various European nations, including Spain’s DNI, as well as travel and immigration documents.
Authorities said some of the fake IDs were being sold for as much as €400 each.
Following the launch of a European Investigation Order by French judicial authorities, Spanish police carried out two raids in Alicante at the end of May.
One search took place at the suspect’s home, while the second targeted a property allegedly being used as a production laboratory for the counterfeit documents.
Inside, officers discovered hundreds of forged identity cards, Schengen visa labels and other documents prepared for customisation before being sent to clients.
Police also seized photographic equipment, computers, printers and specialist materials allegedly used to manufacture the documents and prepare them for delivery.
Investigators said the operation appeared highly professional, with a structured distribution network and marketing tools designed to attract customers online.
In addition to the fake documents, officers confiscated a luxury vehicle, four mobile phones and €1,500 in cash.
Authorities also requested the freezing of three Spanish bank accounts allegedly used to receive payments through online platforms.
The suspect is currently being held in provisional custody in Spain and is also the subject of a European Arrest Warrant issued by French authorities.
The investigation forms part of ongoing efforts to combat organised immigration crime and document fraud across Europe.
