In a recent operation, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested four individuals linked to a fake visa racket. The gang was involved in issuing bogus visas based on counterfeit certificates and documents. The investigation revealed that the accused were providing fake business visas for Luxembourg and other countries.
The individuals arrested include Mayank Jitendra Bhardwaj from Gandhinagar, Tejendra alias Kishan Gajjar from Ahmedabad, Manish Hargovanbhai Patel, and Tabriz Gulam Rasool Kashmiri. They allegedly operated under the guidance of Manish Patel, who was reportedly working alongside Tabriz Kashmiri in Mumbai.
The scam came to light when several victims approached the authorities after discovering that their visas were not valid. They had paid large sums of money for these fake visas. For instance, one victim paid ₹9,50,000 for a business visa valid from May 12 to September 8, 2025. Others reported similar payments ranging from ₹8,00,000 to ₹8,50,000 for their Luxembourg visas.
During police questioning, it was found that the gang had issued visas to at least 39 other people. The Luxembourg Embassy confirmed that none of these visas were genuine and had not been issued by their New Delhi office.
The ATS has been monitoring this organized crime group for some time. They uncovered that the group was also involved in issuing short-term (business) visas, which were based on fake job offer documents. This led to the rejection of many visa applications due to the fraudulent nature of the supporting documents.
The authorities believe that the gang’s operations were extensive and included multiple victims across different states. The police have seized mobile phones from the suspects, which contain evidence of their dealings and communications.
This operation highlights the ongoing issue of fraudulent visa schemes in India. Many individuals seeking opportunities abroad fall prey to such scams, often resulting in significant financial loss. The Gujarat ATS is urging individuals to conduct thorough research and verify the legitimacy of visa agents before making any payments.
As investigations continue, the ATS aims to locate other members of the gang and further dismantle this fraudulent operation. They are also looking into how these scams can be prevented in the future, ensuring that vulnerable individuals are protected from such deceitful practices.