Illegally sold private security guard qualifications in Spain

TWO people have been arrested with another 56 being investigated for selling private security guard qualifications fraudulently. 

National police say they asked for money in exchange for certificates with those buying the qualifications not having to actually do the training required to legitimately gain the qualifications. 

Those arrested are accused of fraud as well as document falsification. 

An investigation began when several complaints about possible fraud in the security guard sector were received by police in Vitoria. First investigations found that professional titles were being given in exchange for cash payments. Police say that on most occasions, the private security sector worker who received the diploma was unaware of the illegality of this activity. 

The investigation has culminated in the arrest in Salamanca of the two people allegedly responsible for the preparation and delivery of the diplomas. They are said to have filled in records to show relevant coursework had been done, then closed the ‘academy’ where the subjects were supposedly taught. 

The arrested people, who were accredited to train the security sector, have been charged with a crime of false documentation and a crime of fraud. In addition, 122 people have been interviewed in several Spanish provinces -Ávila, Zamora, León, Palencia, Toledo, Tenerife, Valencia and Orense- of which 56 are being investigated for their possible involvement in the scam.