> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://barna.news/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Police arrest 50 over fake job contracts in Catalonia - URL: https://barna.news/police-arrest-50-over-fake-job/ - Published: 2026-11-08T18:03:59.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-08T18:37:04.000Z - Description: Investigators say a network used fraudulent employment contracts to obtain residence and work permits for Pakistani citizens, generating more than €3.2 million. - Author: Barna.News News Desk - Tags: crime Video: @mossos / X The Mossos d'Esquadra, Catalonia's regional police, have arrested 50 people in an investigation into a network that allegedly used fake employment contracts to facilitate irregular immigration into Spain. The force announced the arrests on Saturday 7th November. The [Generalitat de Catalunya](https://govern.cat/salapremsa/notes-premsa/889712/cop-policial-contra-una-xarxa-criminal-que-gestionava-l-entrada-irregular-de-persones-migrants-amb-guanys-de-mes-de-3-2-milions-d-euros?ref=barna.news) published its own press note on this. Police say 43 of those arrested were employers allegedly involved in fraudulent applications, while seven were suspected members of the organisation. The network allegedly charged people seeking to move from Pakistan up to €30,000 for the documents and employment contract needed to enter Spain. The scheme also targeted people already in Spain without regular immigration status, offering simulated contracts to help them obtain permission to live and work in the country, according to the [Catalan government's police announcement](https://govern.cat/salapremsa/notes-premsa/889712/cop-policial-contra-una-xarxa-criminal-que-gestionava-l-entrada-irregular-de-persones-migrants-amb-guanys-de-mes-de-3-2-milions-d-euros?ref=barna.news). --- ## Employers allegedly supplied contracts for applications Police described the organisation as a stable hierarchy with a division of responsibilities. It had operated since 2019, was based mainly in Catalonia and had branches in Pakistan, the force said. Its members allegedly acted as intermediaries between Pakistani citizens seeking residence and work permits and employers willing to provide contracts and supporting documents in exchange for payment. The employers contributed their businesses as the proposed workplaces for applicants, according to the investigation. Police say the group prepared civil registry records and other documents for applications to recruit workers from abroad. Between March 2022 and July 2023, it allegedly processed 224 such applications, of which 108 received a favourable decision. Investigators estimate that the activity generated more than €3.2 million. The Mossos describe the case as their largest investigation to date into a network specialising in irregular residence and work permit applications. --- ## Investigation began after 2024 searches The inquiry grew out of documents found during searches in late February 2024 in an earlier investigation into trafficking for labour exploitation. Analysis of seized computer equipment led investigators to the alleged network, with members based in Barcelona and the surrounding area and collaborators in Pakistan. The arrests followed an operation in two phases on 26th and 27th October, involving 81 officers. Of the 50 people arrested, 48 were men and two were women. The suspected organisation members are accused of belonging to a criminal organisation, offences against foreign citizens' rights and document forgery. The employers arrested are accused of the latter two offences. The investigation remains open under the supervision of a Barcelona court and prosecutors responsible for trafficking and immigration cases. People with information about possible trafficking or exploitation can contact the Mossos at [stopexplotacio@mossos.cat](mailto:stopexplotacio@mossos.cat). --- *Sources:* [*Diari Catalunya*](https://diaricatalunya.cat/barcelones/barcelona/desmantellada-una-xarxa-criminal-que-facilitava-la-immigracio-irregular-a-catalunya?ref=barna.news)*,* [*Generalitat de Catalunya*](https://govern.cat/salapremsa/notes-premsa/889712/cop-policial-contra-una-xarxa-criminal-que-gestionava-l-entrada-irregular-de-persones-migrants-amb-guanys-de-mes-de-3-2-milions-d-euros?ref=barna.news)*,* [*Ara*](https://en.ara.cat/society/network-falls-that-was-introducing-pakistani-immigrants-irregularly-into-catalonia%5F1%5F5903047.html?ref=barna.news)*,* [*libertaddigital.com*](https://www.libertaddigital.com/cataluna/2026-11-07/los-mossos-desarticulan-una-red-que-cobraba-30-000-euros-por-colar-inmigrantes-ilegales-7488129/?ref=barna.news)*,* [*barcelonapress.com*](https://barcelonapress.com/en/security/the-mossos-dismantle-an-irregular-immigration-network-in-barcelona?ref=barna.news)*.* --- ### Related on Barna.News - [Two fugitives arrested in Barcelona on international warrants](https://barna.news/two-fugitives-arrested-in-barcelona-on/) - [17 Arrested in Child Exploitation Ring Across 8 Countries](https://barna.news/17-arrested-in-child-exploitation-ring/) - [Catalonia to Tender 890 Annual Cannabis Clearances](https://barna.news/catalonia-to-tender-890-annual-cannabis/) - [45 Arrested in Catalan Rail Copper Theft Crackdown](https://barna.news/45-arrested-in-catalan-rail-copper/)