What Charges Have Been Filed Against the Arrested Pakistani National in Kolkata?
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Synopsis
The Enforcement Directorate has filed a chargesheet against Azad Mullick, a Pakistani national arrested in Kolkata for allegedly engaging in a series of fraudulent activities, including identity theft and illegal money transfers. This case sheds light on the intricate networks operating across borders, raising questions about security and immigration controls.
Key Takeaways
- Charges filed against Azad Mullick for identity fraud.
- Investigation initiated by the Enforcement Directorate.
- Mullick allegedly operated a hawala network.
- He forged documents to acquire Indian identity.
- Case sheds light on cross-border illegal activities.
Kolkata, June 16 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate announced on Monday that it has submitted a prosecution chargesheet against Azad Mullick, a Pakistani national apprehended earlier this year in Kolkata by officials from the central agency.
This chargesheet, presented at a special court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in Kolkata, outlines various accusations against Mullick.
As per a press release from the ED on Monday, the investigation was initiated following an FIR filed by the West Bengal Police under Sections 14 and 14A of the Foreigners Act, 1946 against Mullick.
To recap, when Mullick was apprehended in April, documents seized by the ED indicated that he was a Bangladeshi citizen residing in India after obtaining Indian identity documents, including a passport, through the use of fraudulent paperwork.
However, on April 29, the ED's counsel informed a special court in Kolkata that during questioning, Mullick confessed to being originally from Pakistan. He claimed to have first acquired Bangladeshi citizenship using forged documents, subsequently obtaining Indian identity documents in a similar manner.
Azad's original name as a Pakistani citizen was Azad Hossain, which he altered to Ahammed Hossain Azad upon securing Bangladeshi citizenship through illicit means.
Ultimately, on the counterfeit Indian passport he obtained through unlawful methods, his name appeared as Azad Mullick.
According to the ED's statement, the investigation revealed that he acquired multiple Indian identity documents, including AADHAR card, PAN card, driving license, EPIC card, and passport by submitting forged and falsified documents.
“The investigation conducted by the ED discovered that Ahammed Hossain Azad @ Ajad Mallik managed a hawala network for illegal cross-border remittances between India and Bangladesh, receiving payments in cash and UPI, before transferring equivalent amounts to Bangladesh via platforms like 'Bkash'. He was also implicated in illegal money transfers and document forgery,” the ED statement noted.
Furthermore, the statement revealed that Mullick actively assisted in the preparation of visas and passports for Bangladeshi nationals intending to travel to foreign destinations such as Dubai, Cambodia, and Malaysia.
“He received payments in Bangladeshi Taka, USD, or Indian Rupees, which he either deposited into his bank account or transferred to associates involved in fraudulent visa/passport processing. Additionally, Azad Hossain played a crucial role in the fraudulent schemes executed at certain forex changers (FFMC) in Kolkata, where substantial cash deposits were misrepresented as proceeds from legitimate foreign currency sales, but were actually Proceeds of Crime (POC) linked to unlawful activities, including the creation of fake Indian identities for Bangladeshi individuals to procure passports,” the statement concluded.
Point of View
I believe it is crucial for our nation to remain vigilant against threats posed by illegal immigration and fraudulent activities. This case serves as a wake-up call to strengthen our law enforcement and immigration systems, ensuring that we protect our borders while upholding the rule of law.
NationPress
16/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Azad Mullick?
Azad Mullick is a Pakistani national who was arrested in Kolkata for allegedly engaging in illegal activities, including identity fraud and money laundering.
What charges have been filed against him?
The Enforcement Directorate has filed a chargesheet detailing multiple offenses, including forgery of identity documents and operating a hawala network for illegal financial transactions.
How did Mullick obtain Indian identity documents?
Mullick reportedly used forged documents to obtain Indian identity documents, including a passport, after initially acquiring Bangladeshi citizenship through similar means.
What is a hawala network?
A hawala network is an informal method of transferring money across borders, often used to facilitate illegal financial transactions without the need for formal banking channels.
What implications does this case have for national security?
This case raises serious concerns about border security and the effectiveness of immigration controls, highlighting the need for stronger measures to prevent illegal activities.
