Who is Bharatkumar Rambhai Patel in the Human Trafficking Case?
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Synopsis
In a shocking turn of events, Bharatkumar Rambhai Patel, also known as Bobby Patel, has been arrested by the Directorate of Enforcement for his alleged involvement in a major human trafficking ring. The investigation has unveiled substantial financial misconduct, with over Rs 7 crore in illicit proceeds under scrutiny.
Key Takeaways
- Bharatkumar Rambhai Patel arrested under PMLA.
- Alleged human trafficking operation revealed.
- Charges range from Rs 60 lakh to Rs 1.75 crore per person/family.
- Investigation ongoing with financial trails being followed.
- Over Rs 7 crore in illicit proceeds under scrutiny.
Ahmedabad, July 3 (NationPress) The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Ahmedabad Zonal Office, has apprehended Bharatkumar Rambhai Patel, also known as Bobby Patel, under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in relation to a massive human trafficking operation.
Patel was presented before the Special PMLA Court in Mirzapur, Ahmedabad, where the court granted the ED four days of custody for further questioning.
This action is a result of an FIR lodged by the Shola High Court Police Station in Ahmedabad, accusing Patel and others of illegally trafficking Indian nationals abroad since 2015.
The investigation has revealed an intricate scheme where Patel allegedly charged between Rs 60 to Rs 75 lakh per individual, Rs 1 to Rs 1.25 crore per couple, and up to Rs 1.75 crore for families with children, by forging travel documents, including fake visas and duplicate passports.
Patel is alleged to have used impersonation and falsified documents to smuggle clients into foreign nations under false identities. Several FIRs have been filed against him across Gujarat, Delhi, and West Bengal, with the estimated proceeds of crime (POC) exceeding Rs 7 crore.
The ED has confirmed that the investigation into the financial trail and other co-conspirators is ongoing.
In 2025, Gujarat became a hotspot for numerous significant interventions by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Notable actions include: In Ahmedabad and Surat, ED teams conducted raids on multiple sites in late June as part of a crackdown on a Rs 100 crore cyber-fraud network. The investigation focuses on the misuse of forged KYC, fake USDT trading, and digital arrest threats, with funds allegedly routed through hawala operators and converted into cryptocurrency.
In May, the agency arrested Bahubali Shah, a director of Gujarat Samachar Ltd., in a prominent money laundering case linked to alleged share manipulation and financial irregularities in Lok Prakashan Ltd. He was later granted interim bail on medical grounds.
In June, the ED executed raids in Ahmedabad concerning the extensive Nexa Evergreen real estate scam, connected to a purported Rs 2,700 crore money laundering scheme tied to fraudulent land transactions in Dholera Smart City. Seizures included over Rs 2 crore in cash and frozen accounts.
Point of View
This development highlights the urgency of addressing human trafficking and financial crimes in India. It underscores the need for robust enforcement mechanisms and international cooperation to combat these pervasive issues. The ED's proactive approach is commendable, and it is crucial to ensure that those involved face justice.
NationPress
03/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges has Bharatkumar Rambhai Patel faced?
Bharatkumar Rambhai Patel has been arrested under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) for his involvement in a large-scale human trafficking racket.
How much money is under investigation?
The estimated proceeds of crime (POC) from Patel's activities are believed to exceed Rs 7 crore.
What tactics did Patel allegedly use?
Patel is accused of using impersonation and forged documents to illegally smuggle clients into foreign countries.
What other actions has the ED taken recently?
The ED has conducted multiple high-profile raids in Gujarat related to various financial crimes, including cyber fraud and real estate scams.
What does this arrest imply for future trafficking cases?
This arrest serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing battle against human trafficking and the importance of stringent law enforcement.
