How Did Gujarat ATS Bust a Bogus Visa Racket? Four Arrested!
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Synopsis
In a significant crackdown, the Gujarat ATS has taken four suspects into custody for their roles in a fraudulent visa scheme that exploited job seekers aiming for employment in Luxembourg. This organized scam involved forged documents and fake job offers, prompting an urgent response from law enforcement to safeguard citizens from such deceitful operations.
Key Takeaways
- Gujarat ATS apprehended four individuals involved in a bogus visa scheme.
- The suspects used forged documents and fake job offers.
- Victims lost substantial amounts of money, totaling over Rs 37 lakh.
- Digital forensics revealed additional victims of the scam.
- The ongoing investigation aims to uncover the full extent of the network.
Ahmedabad, Aug 8 (NationPress) The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has apprehended four individuals for their suspected participation in a fraudulent visa scheme that deceived numerous victims by promising employment-based visas for Luxembourg.
The suspects -- Mayank Jitendra Bhardwaj, Tejendra alias Kishan Gajjar, Manish alias Kumar Hargovindbhai Patel, and Tabrez Gulam Rasool Kashmiri -- were reportedly operating a well-organized scam involving forged documents, fake job offers, and fraudulent visa stickers affixed to passports.
The arrests were made as part of a heightened surveillance initiative led by senior ATS officials aimed at tackling organized white-collar crime in the region. The operation was initiated after ATS Police Inspector P. B. Desai received credible information regarding a network issuing fraudulent visas to job seekers. Under the guidance of Superintendent of Police K. Siddharth and Deputy SP Harsh Upadhyay, a dedicated investigative team was established.
Acting on the intelligence, the team summoned Bhardwaj and Gajjar for interrogation at the ATS office in Ahmedabad. During the questioning, both admitted to receiving substantial amounts from victims in exchange for Luxembourg visas, which were entirely fabricated.
As per the ATS report, Rs 9.5 lakh was taken from Himanshu Bhavsar, Rs 12 lakh from Archit Patel, and Rs 8 lakh each from Nilesh Patel and Sanjay Parmar.
Manish Patel was responsible for arranging the visas and affixing the stickers to passports with assistance from Tabrez Kashmiri, a Mumbai-based collaborator.
The visas were purportedly valid from May to September 2025; however, upon verification, the Luxembourg Embassy in Delhi confirmed that none of these documents were genuine. Previous applications from these individuals had already been rejected due to fraudulent job offer letters.
Further digital forensics conducted on the suspects' mobile devices revealed that at least 39 more individuals had been issued similar fraudulent visas through this operation. The magnitude of the scheme indicates a well-orchestrated interstate scam, potentially with broader connections beyond Gujarat and Maharashtra. Consequently, an FIR was filed on August 7, 2025, under FIR No. 08/2025 at the ATS Police Station.
The suspects have been charged under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, including Sections 318(3), 336(2), 336(3), 337, 338, 61, and 54, which pertain to forgery, criminal conspiracy, and cheating.
With an uptick in job offer scams and fraudulent document schemes, law enforcement agencies have been urged to enhance verification processes and crack down on unauthorized visa agents operating covertly.
The Gujarat ATS has affirmed that the investigation is ongoing. Authorities are now focused on identifying additional victims, tracing financial transactions, and uncovering the full extent of the network. More arrests are anticipated in the upcoming weeks.
Point of View
This incident highlights the alarming rise of organized fraud targeting job seekers. The role of law enforcement in swiftly addressing such scams is crucial in maintaining public trust and ensuring the safety of potential victims. The ongoing investigation by Gujarat ATS reflects a commitment to upholding justice and safeguarding the interests of citizens.
NationPress
06/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the modus operandi of the bogus visa racket?
The suspects collected large sums of money from victims by promising them employment-based visas for Luxembourg, using forged documents and fake job offers.
How many individuals were affected by this scam?
Digital forensics revealed that at least 39 more individuals had been issued similar fake visas through this racket.
What actions have been taken against the accused?
The accused have been booked under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, including forgery and cheating.
What steps are authorities taking to prevent future scams?
Law enforcement agencies have been urged to tighten verification processes and crack down on unauthorized visa agents to protect job seekers.
Is the investigation still ongoing?
Yes, the Gujarat ATS has confirmed that the investigation is far from over, with more arrests likely in the coming weeks.
