The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has uncovered a large-scale visa fraud operation involving the creation and distribution of counterfeit Luxembourg visas using forged documents and certificates. The breakthrough came after a targeted surveillance operation, leading to the arrest of four key suspects.
Those arrested have been identified as Mayank Bhardwaj, a resident of Seemraj Status, Kudasan, Gandhinagar; Tejendra alias Kishan Gajjar, a resident of Gauripuja Society, Nava Vadaj, Ahmedabad; Manish alias Kumar Hargovanbhai Patel; and Mumbai-based associate Tabrej Ghulam Rasul Kashmiri.
The investigation began following a tip-off received by Inspector P.B. Desai, which indicated that the suspects were involved in preparing fake visas for Luxembourg and other countries. Mayank and Tejendra were called in for questioning, during which they confessed to charging large sums of money from clients in exchange for fake visas.
According to officials, the accused admitted to receiving Rs. 9.5 lakh from Himanshu Rameshchandra Bhavsar, Rs. 12 lakh from Archit Sanjaybhai Patel, Rs. 8 lakh each from Nilesh Virabhai Patel and Sanjaykumar Jayantibhai Parmar.
According to information, the operation was reportedly coordinated by Manish Patel, with assistance from Tabrej Kashmiri in Mumbai. However, verification with the Luxembourg Embassy in New Delhi confirmed that none of the visas issued were authentic. The embassy also revealed that the individuals had previously applied for short-term business visas using fake job offer documents, resulting in rejection of their applications.
Further analysis of the accused’s mobile devices uncovered evidence indicating that fake visas had been issued to at least 39 additional individuals.
Based on the findings, the ATS has registered a case under various sections of the Indian Penal Code: 318(3), 336(2), 336(3), 337, 338, 61, and 54. All four accused have been taken into custody as investigations continue to track down other individuals involved in the fraudulent operation.
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