Synopsis
On April 15, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) executed raids at eight sites in West Bengal linked to a money laundering scheme involving fake passports. The operation targeted areas known for facilitating fraudulent passports for Bangladeshi infiltrators, revealing a network of local agents and significant financial dealings.Key Takeaways
- ED conducted raids at eight locations in West Bengal.
- Focus on money laundering linked to fake passports.
- Raids targeted areas known for aiding Bangladeshi infiltrators.
- Charge sheet revealed 120 out of 130 individuals were Bangladeshi.
- Local agents played a crucial role in the fake document scheme.
Kolkata, April 15 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) agents launched a series of raids across eight locations in West Bengal on Tuesday, targeting the money laundering operations linked to the fake passport scandal.
The searches took place in areas such as Beck Bagan in South Kolkata, Birati in North 24 Parganas district, and Gede in Nadia district.
According to sources, the operations were aimed at locations notorious for facilitating the issuance of fraudulent Indian passports to Bangladeshi infiltrators in exchange for large sums of money.
Last month, the Kolkata Police submitted a charge sheet in the case to a lower court in Kolkata, which noted that out of the 130 individuals listed, 120 were residents of Bangladesh while the remaining were Indian nationals.
The primary allegations against the Bangladeshi individuals involve making significant payments for securing counterfeit Indian passports.
Indian nationals accused in the case are charged with acting as facilitators in the procurement of fake Indian identity documents, including passports, for the illegal Bangladeshi entrants.
Previously, Kolkata Police apprehended Abdul Hai, a retired Assistant Sub-Inspector, whose involvement was detailed in the charge sheet.
The document highlighted Hai's financial benefits accrued through 52 police verification clearances, where he served as the inquiry officer.
The investigation into the counterfeit Indian identity documents has revealed a distinct pattern in the operations of these criminal networks.
Upon crossing into Indian territory, infiltrators contact local agents and express their willingness to pay substantial amounts for fake identity documents. Initially, they are provided with safe accommodations in various villages near the Bangladesh border, both by land and coast, as reported by the police.
Subsequently, agents arrange fake ration cards, which serve as the first step towards obtaining other identity documents. Using these falsified ration cards, they can then acquire additional identification such as EPIC, PAN, and AADHAAR cards. The final stage involves the issuance of fake passports based on these forged documents, the police elaborated.
