The Delhi Police have arrested a travel agent involved in a major visa fraud racket, responsible for providing counterfeit Schengen visas to unsuspecting travelers. The arrest took place at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, where three passengers en route to Spain were stopped and found carrying forged travel documents.
The trio had each paid nearly ₹5.6 lakh to the agent, amounting to a total of ₹17 lakh. The fraud came to light during routine immigration checks, which revealed that the visas pasted on the passports were not registered in the Schengen visa system. On questioning, the victims disclosed the name of the agent who facilitated the process under the pretense of “fast-track tourist visas.”
Quick Police Action and Arrest
Following an immediate inquiry, the police tracked down and arrested the accused agent from his residence in Delhi. Authorities have also recovered several fake visa stamps, forged supporting documents, and electronic records that suggest more individuals may have been similarly defrauded.
Officials stated that the accused had been operating this scam under the guise of a legitimate travel consultancy. He reportedly exploited the ambitions of job-seekers and tourists looking for easy passage to Europe. The victims believed they were securing legal entry into Spain, only to be intercepted before departure.
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Rising Cases of Visa-Related Fraud at Airports
This case adds to a growing list of visa-related scams being uncovered at international terminals across India. IGI Airport alone has reported multiple instances in recent months of forged documents being used in attempts to travel to countries in the Schengen zone.
Immigration authorities have reiterated the need for vigilance and warned travelers against relying on unverified agents. The Delhi Police are expanding their investigation, suspecting the involvement of a larger network aiding in visa forgery. The arrested agent is currently in custody, and further charges under the Indian Penal Code and the Passport Act are being prepared.
About the Author – Anirudh Mittal is a B.Sc. LL.B. (Hons.) student at National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar, with a keen interest in corporate law and tech-driven legal change.