On December 1, the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) dismantled a ring engaged in producing counterfeit certificates, leading to the arrest of three suspects in Ghaziabad. This organised group has managed to create around 7,000 fake certificates utilising various software and websites.
These fraudulent certificates encompass COVID vaccines, as well as birth and death certificates. Furthermore, the gang established 436 franchises across the country, all participating in illicit activities.
The STF disclosed, “The detained individuals are Mohammad Sahil, Mohammad Jubair, and Riyazuddin, all residents of Ghaziabad. Mohammad Sahil is the mastermind behind the operation. Two suspects were apprehended in Daulatnagar village, and the third was captured at Tronica City Tiraha.”
Among the items confiscated from them were a printer, laminating machine, laptop, thumb scanner, webcam, 30 KYC forms, 15 birth-death certificates, 8 counterfeit digital signatures from various hospitals, and 7 bogus digital signatures from municipal councils, among other things.
ASP Vishal Vikram Singh of the STF explained, “To produce birth-death certificates, the government website www.crsorgi.gov.in was utilised. This gang has established multiple fake websites resembling the official one. During the interrogation, the mastermind Sahil revealed that we manage these deceptive websites through software developers in various states, selling franchises for this purpose.”
The accused confessed to fabricating Indian birth certificates for individuals entering the country unlawfully from abroad. Using these certificates, they secure proof of residence in India, subsequently obtaining Aadhar cards.
According to the STF, this syndicate has generated a total of 6675 fake birth certificates and 224 death certificates. Another suspect, Mohammad Jubair, disclosed that they engaged with individuals through platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and other websites.
Worries regarding the fabrication of counterfeit Aadhar cards have surfaced, leading to a request for information from UIDAI. ASP clarified, “There is a suspicion of fraudulent Aadhar cards being generated based on the birth certificates. Consequently, information is being sought from UIDAI. The gang exploited these certificates to avail themselves of various government schemes and also made insurance claims with insurance companies. The electronic devices confiscated from the gang will undergo forensic examination. A case has been registered at the Tronica City police station in Ghaziabad concerning this matter.”
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