13 Bangladeshis and 2 Rohingyas convicted in passport fraud and human trafficking case
Lucknow: A Special National Investigation Agency (NIA) Court in Lucknow has convicted 15 people linked to an alleged international human trafficking and document forgery network. The convicts include 13 Bangladeshi nationals and two Rohingyas, all of whom were sentenced to five years’ rigorous imprisonment and fined. The case was investigated by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), which alleged that the accused were part of an organised syndicate involved in facilitating illegal migration and identity fraud.
According to the UP ATS investigation, the network followed a systematic modus operandi. The accused allegedly helped Bangladeshi nationals enter India illegally through porous borders. Once inside the country, they allegedly procured forged Indian identity documents, including Aadhaar cards, voter identity cards, and other supporting documents.
Using these forged documents, the syndicate allegedly obtained genuine Indian passports in the names of the illegal immigrants. These passports were then used to send trafficked individuals to foreign countries while posing as Indian citizens. Investigators said the network operated across multiple states and involved forged documentation at various stages of the process.
Officials alleged that the syndicate exploited India’s identity verification systems by creating fake documentation that enabled illegal immigrants to establish false Indian identities.
The forged identities were then used to secure Indian passports, allowing individuals to travel internationally under fraudulent credentials. Investigators believe such operations not only facilitate illegal migration but also undermine the integrity of India’s passport and identity document systems.
The Uttar Pradesh ATS uncovered the alleged racket during its investigation into passport fraud and illegal immigration. According to investigators, the syndicate specialised in arranging illegal entry into India, preparing forged identity documents, and facilitating overseas travel through fraudulently obtained Indian passports. The agency gathered documentary evidence before filing charges against the accused.
After examining the evidence presented during the trial, the Special NIA Court convicted all 15 accused and sentenced each of them to five years’ rigorous imprisonment along with monetary penalties. The verdict marks the conclusion of one of the significant cases involving illegal immigration, forged identity documents, and passport fraud investigated by the Uttar Pradesh ATS.
Authorities have repeatedly stated that organised document forgery and human trafficking networks pose serious challenges to immigration enforcement and border security. Fraudulently obtained identity documents and passports can be used to facilitate illegal migration and complicate verification mechanisms. Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate similar networks involved in cross-border human trafficking, identity fraud, and passport forgery to dismantle organised criminal operations.
