This is how residence permits were fraudulently obtained in Norway. Authorities uncover 'family mafias'

The cases mainly concern families originating from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Somalia. According to UDI, the mechanism involved providing different surnames and places of birth, and then obtaining further permits for family members based on previously submitted information. In one case, the first individuals arrived in Norway around the year 2000. The scheme was reportedly continued over the following years.

One of the networks was discovered during routine processing of residency cases. Another was revealed by chance during a serious criminal case involving honor-based violence, when evidence indicated a different nationality for one of the accused than previously stated when applying for asylum. UDI claims that the goal was to obtain rights that would not have been available without false information. According to the authority, some of the income obtained in this way was then sent to people in the countries of origin.

The agency also points to security issues. UDI admits that in some cases, Norwegian authorities do not know to whom they actually granted residency or citizenship, as individuals used false identities. Some networks were reportedly linked to influential and well-off clans engaged in business activities. Camilla Torgersen from UDI also stated that some of the leaders had ties to militias and organizations or movements described as extremist, but the agency did not respond to further questions from NRK on this matter.

Various methods were used to detect the connections. According to UDI, proceedings began with reports, information revealed in criminal cases, and results from automatic facial recognition, later including searches, analysis of money flows, open sources, and social media. The police and the agency also used DNA tests and interviews. UDI emphasizes that uncovering false identities is difficult because asylum seekers often do not have information on their phones that would allow authorities to determine their origin or contacts.

Consequences may include revocation of residence permits or citizenship and expulsion from Norway. However, not everyone has to leave the country, as UDI also considers factors such as the situation of children, humanitarian reasons, health status, length of stay, and degree of integration. In one network of about 60 people, permits were revoked for 30 individuals, many of whom were also expelled. In another case, nearly 50 proceedings were initiated, with some people losing citizenship or the right to reside.

The Norwegian Organization for Asylum Seekers (NOAS) believes that organized fraud should be detected, but at the same time draws attention to the scale of the phenomenon. Organization spokesperson Jon Ole Martinsen emphasized that it concerns only a small proportion of those granted protection by Norway, and therefore, in his opinion, entire groups of refugees should not be viewed with suspicion. NRK notes, however, that it did not have access to the described cases and could not independently verify the information provided by UDI.