Indian authorities have arrested four individuals involved in forging visas for Brunei Darussalam, reported news outlets in India on Saturday.
According to various outlets, police from Hinjawadi, a suburb near the Pimpri Chinchwad, a city in India, apprehended three individuals alleged to be responsible for manufacturing counterfeit visas along with an accomplice, a stamp maker. The group were believed to have defrauded around 125 people under the guise of visa insurance.
Police deputy commissioner Bapu Bangar said the accused had previously worked in the import-export business and conspired to target individuals seeking employment abroad with the scheme.
Operating under the guise of a fictitious company named Blue Ocean Marine Company, the gang solicited real passports from the victims while promising employment opportunities in Brunei.
Once they were in possession of the passports, they proceeded to affix fake Brunei country stamps.
Victims were promised employment as welders, drivers, and plumbers in the Sultanate.
However, when attempting to travel, victims discovered that their visas were fraudulent.
Following a complaint, the Hinjawadi police raided the accused’s office and seized evidence, including fake work orders, 67 passports, electronic devices and counterfeit stamps.
Another 58 passports were recovered from a laundry establishment in Mamurdi, a township 30 kilometres from the city of Pune. – Azlan Othman
