Mumbai Crime Branch has made a significant breakthrough in an illegal human trafficking and fake passport racket, arresting two more individuals in connection with the case. During the forensic examination of mobile phones belonging to the three arrested accused, authorities discovered over 70 documents related to forged passports and visas. Investigations have revealed that the accused facilitated the illegal travel of more than 80 individuals using fraudulent documents. The Crime Investigation Unit (CIU) of Mumbai Police is actively probing the case.
The case surfaced following a complaint from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), leading to the arrest of Roshan Bhaskar Dudhwadkar. He is accused of preparing fake passports and visas, enabling at least 80 Indian nationals to travel to Canada, the Netherlands, Turkey, and Poland.
Further investigations revealed that Dudhwadkar was working under Rajesh Panchal, a Gujarat-based agent specializing in sending Indian nationals to Europe, the USA, and Gulf nations using fraudulent documents. Individuals without visas were provided with forged passports embedded with genuine visas of similar-aged individuals.
Dudhwadkar played a key role at the airport, ensuring smooth boarding and immigration clearance for travelers using fake documents. He would book separate flights for himself to gain legitimate entry into the airport premises and assist passengers in bypassing immigration checks. The mastermind, Rajesh Panchal, charged ₹30-50 lakh per client, while Dudhwadkar received ₹50,000 for each successful case.
During forensic analysis of mobile data, investigators found a list of 80 individuals who traveled abroad using fake passports and visas. Suspicious call records, WhatsApp chats, and financial transactions were also uncovered. One crucial message found in Dudhwadkar’s phone read: "Push back u Couple asiso cleared," indicating a well-coordinated and systematic operation.
The Mumbai Crime Branch has so far arrested Roshan Bhaskar Dudhwadkar (50), Amit Jagdish Puri, and Imtiaz Ali Mohammad Hanif Shaikh. A raid at their residences led to the seizure of fake immigration stamps, counterfeit passport copies, and other forged travel documents.
Ajay Dubey, the lawyer of the accused arrested in this case, said that all the three arrested accused were presented in the court on Tuesday and the court has sent all three of them to police custody.
The accused have been booked under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 319(2), 318(4), 336(2), 336(3), 337, 340(2), 61(2), along with charges under the Passport Act, 1967. The case has been registered at Sahar Police Station.
During a raid at Imtiaz Ali’s residence, multiple fake immigration stamps were recovered. However, the accused has refused to divulge further details. Authorities suspect more forged documents may be hidden elsewhere, and investigations are ongoing.
Mumbai Police is now tracking other absconding members of the racket and investigating the exact number of Indian citizens who were illegally sent abroad. Additionally, authorities are conducting bank account audits of the arrested individuals to trace the financial transactions and determine the total earnings from the illegal operation.
This crackdown is seen as a major success in India's fight against fake passport syndicates and human trafficking networks. Officials have assured strict action against all involved, emphasizing their commitment to preventing innocent people from falling victim to such fraudulent schemes.