The National Police have arrested a 57-year-old man in Manises, Valencia, accused of forging official documents to enable Cuban citizens to obtain Spanish nationality.
According to information published by the newspaper ABC, the detainee allegedly scammed a foreigner by offering assistance to obtain a driver's license in Spain. He faked a practical driving test and provided a forged license, charging 4,000 euros for the counterfeit document. Following the arrest, the police found various documents, multiple laptops, a printer, a document shredder, over 50 Cuban passports, as well as 1,750 euros in cash and several stamps from public entities.
Investigation Launched in April
An official statement clarified that the investigation began in April after a foreign citizen reported being scammed during the process of obtaining a driver's license. The Spanish national, who is now in custody, worked in collaboration with other Cuban nationals. He charged the victim 4,000 euros, provided a fake medical certificate, organized driving practice sessions, and conducted a simulated practical exam, ultimately delivering a forged driver's license.
The main suspect also engaged in fraudulent activities to secure residency and Spanish nationality documents for Cuban citizens. Residing in Manises, he used his vehicle for the supposed driving practices. In mid-June, authorities set up an operation to locate and arrest him. The suspect was intercepted while speeding out of his garage. Inside his vehicle, officers found a backpack containing various documents, including a Spanish passport belonging to a deceased person, a Cuban passport, civil registry documents, and public entity stamps.
During a search of his home, more documents related to birth and death certificates of deceased Cuban and Spanish individuals were discovered, along with another laptop, three USB drives, a photocopier, a document shredder, a packaging machine, a laminator, and 1,750 euros in cash. Authorities also found five suitcases and several boxes filled with similar documentation, all linked to obtaining Spanish nationality for Cuban citizens. Using these documents, the detainee falsely claimed that the interested parties were children or grandchildren of Spaniards, thereby facilitating their naturalization.
According to the statement, the man already had a criminal record for similar offenses. He has been charged with belonging to a criminal group, document forgery, and fraud. The judge has ordered his release with a precautionary measure prohibiting him from leaving the country.
Key Questions About the Document Forgery Case in Manises
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the recent arrest in Manises for document forgery aimed at helping Cubans obtain Spanish citizenship.
What was the man in Manises arrested for?
He was arrested for forging official documents to help Cuban citizens obtain Spanish nationality and for scamming a foreigner in the process of obtaining a driver's license.
How much did the detainee charge for the fake driver's license?
He charged 4,000 euros for the counterfeit driver's license.
What items were found during the police investigation?
The police found various documents, laptops, a printer, a document shredder, over 50 Cuban passports, 1,750 euros in cash, and several stamps from public entities.
What charges is the suspect facing?
The suspect is facing charges of belonging to a criminal group, document forgery, and fraud.