Kolkata's Fake Passport Scam: ED Investigates
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Synopsis
The Enforcement Directorate is investigating a fake passport racket in Kolkata, involving the creation of fraudulent identity documents for illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators. The local police have arrested multiple individuals as part of the ongoing probe, which may also involve money laundering.
Key Takeaways
- ED shows interest in police investigations
- Fake documents provided to illegal infiltrators
- Nine arrests already made
- Potential money-laundering angle identified
- Racket operations involve multiple fake documents
Kolkata, Jan 15 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has recently taken an interest in the ongoing investigation led by West Bengal Police and Kolkata Police regarding rackets operating within the state that are involved in the production of fraudulent Indian identity documents, including passports, for illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators.
Sources familiar with the situation disclosed that the ED has gathered information on the progress of the investigation conducted by both the state and city police, including the number of arrests made thus far.
While ED officials remain reticent about the specific reasons for their involvement in this case, insider information suggests that the agency has identified a potential money-laundering aspect linked to the overall scam, particularly concerning financial transactions associated with providing fake Indian documents for illegal Bangladeshi entrants.
Moreover, sources indicated that the ED is currently in the process of collecting essential information and has yet to file an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) related to the case.
The investigative teams from West Bengal and Kolkata Police have already apprehended nine individuals connected to the fake passport syndicates operating within the state and facilitating the creation of fake Indian identity documents for illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators.
The latest individual arrested in this context is Abdul Hai, a retired sub-inspector of Kolkata Police, who was primarily involved in police verification for passport applications during his service.
Investigators have identified a recurring pattern in the operations of these rackets that provide fake Indian passports to illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators.
Upon illegally entering Indian territory, infiltrators establish contact with local agents and express their willingness to pay substantial sums for acquiring fake Indian identity documents. Initially, they are offered safe housing in various villages near the borders with Bangladesh, both on land and coastal regions. Subsequently, agents facilitate the creation of fake ration cards, which serve as the initial step in generating other identity documents. Using these counterfeit ration cards, additional identification documents such as EPIC, PAN, and Aadhaar cards are procured, culminating in the acquisition of fake passports based on these other fraudulent identity documents.
