Six people have been arrested in Madrid in connection with the falsification of documents relating to the international adoption of Russian children.
An investigation began last August after the Junta de Andalucía detected irregularities relating to several adoptions.
International adoptions tend to go through ‘mediators’, individuals who are familiar with the laws and customs of both countries involved and can expedite matters with the minimum of delay. The cost involved is between €48,000 and €54,000 and, in this case, part was paid in Spain and part in Russia.
The group of detainees is though to have been responsible for at least 200 adoptions within the community. However, it would appear that they have been expediting proceeding by using fake documentation. Police have seized a computer containing numerous blank forms – fake medical certificates etc – to be filled in as and when required.