MUMBAI: Mumbai Police have launched an investigation into an international visa fraud racket after seven Indian flyers were deported from Dubai for carrying fake Schengen visas. The individuals, who were en route to various European destinations, were intercepted by Dubai immigration officials and immediately sent back to India.
According to the police, the group had departed from Mumbai and was detained upon arrival in Dubai after discrepancies were detected in their visa documents. Preliminary inquiries suggest the visas were forged and did not appear in the Schengen system during verification.
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Agent Under Scanner for Forged Documents
The deportees reportedly claimed that the Schengen visas had been arranged through a travel agent operating in Mumbai. Authorities suspect the involvement of a fraudulent agent who may have provided counterfeit visa stickers and forged entry permissions in exchange for substantial payments.
Mumbai’s Sahar Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including forgery and cheating, and are currently tracking the whereabouts of the travel agent. The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) is likely to join the probe due to the international implications and potential scale of the scam.
Investigators believe the accused agent may have duped several more unsuspecting passengers by promising fast-track Schengen visas, charging them ₹3 to ₹4 lakh per applicant.
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Growing Concerns Over Fake Visa Rackets
This incident raises broader concerns about the increasing number of fake visa scams targeting Indians seeking employment or travel opportunities abroad. Law enforcement officials warned prospective travellers to avoid unverified agents and to apply for visas only through official embassy channels or accredited agents.
A senior police official stated, “The racket appears to be more widespread than initially believed. We are working to identify and prevent such scams that damage India’s global travel reputation.”
The case has also been reported to the Ministry of External Affairs and the Bureau of Immigration for coordination with European authorities to detect any similar forged documents in circulation.