In a major crackdown on human trafficking, the Mumbai Crime Branch, in coordination with immigration officials, has arrested the mastermind behind a fake visa and passport racket at Mumbai Airport. Investigations reveal that the syndicate facilitated the illegal travel of approximately 80 individuals using forged documents, charging each person between ₹30 to ₹50 lakh.
The arrested accused has been identified as Roshan Bhaskar Dudwadkar (50). Meanwhile, police are actively searching for his associate, Rajesh Panchal, a Gujarat resident, believed to be a key accomplice in the operation. Following Dudwadkar’s arrest, a case has been registered at Sahar Police Station based on a complaint by the Crime Branch.
According to police sources, the accused, along with his associate Panchal, has so far sent around 80 people abroad using forged passports and visas. The gang charged ₹30-35 lakh per person for facilitating illegal travel to countries like Canada, the Netherlands, Turkey, and Poland. In this case, the Crime Branch had already issued a lookout circular (LOC) against the accused.
Mumbai Police had been investigating the case for a long time. After gathering strong evidence, an LOC was issued against Dudwadkar. On February 28, as soon as he arrived at Mumbai Airport, immigration officials detained him and informed the Crime Branch. A team from the Crime Branch reached the airport and interrogated him, during which he confessed to his identity and his involvement in the racket.
During questioning, Dudwadkar revealed that Rajesh Panchal was responsible for preparing fake passports and visas for Indian citizens who wanted to travel to Europe, America, and Gulf countries but lacked the necessary legal documents. The gang would obtain visas and passports of individuals with similar age and identity details and then forge new documents accordingly. Panchal also created fake visas for those seeking to travel abroad.
Once the fake documents were ready, Dudwadkar ensured smooth clearance at Mumbai Airport. He stayed close to the passengers, assisting them in presenting documents at checkpoints where original and forged passports and visas were required. After successfully sending a person abroad, the duo split the money among themselves.
During an inquiry at the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), police confirmed that Dudwadkar and Panchal had facilitated illegal travel for at least 80 individuals using forged documents. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to trace and arrest the second accused, Rajesh Panchal, who remains at large.
The Mumbai Crime Branch continues its investigation to uncover more details about the racket and identify other individuals involved in this large-scale immigration fraud.