(MUMBAI) Seven men from Gujarat were arrested by Mumbai police in August 2025 after they tried to travel to Europe using fake German (Luxembourg) Schengen employment visas and forged Indian passports. The group was caught at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport after being deported from Dubai, where immigration officers first flagged their documents as fake.
The Men Involved
| Name | Age | City |
|---|---|---|
| Kaushikkumar Patel | 50 | Gandhinagar |
| Arthkumar Patel | 25 | Ahmedabad |
| Maharshi Patel | 21 | Mehsana |
| Prithvirajgiri Goswami | 23 | Mehsana |
| Bhargav Joshi | 33 | Mehsana |
| Krunalkumar Prajapati | 25 | Motera |
| Mohammed Jed Husenkhan Pathan | 26 | Mehsana |
The men had all traveled to Dubai on real tourist visas. Their plan was to use the fake German visas, which were actually Luxembourg Schengen employment visas, to enter Europe and find jobs. However, Dubai immigration officers noticed problems with their documents during a routine transit check.
How the Scam Worked
The entire trip was arranged by a Gujarat-based travel agent named Kisan. He promised the men that the fake Schengen employment visas would let them settle and work in any of the 29 Schengen countries without needing extra permissions. The agent provided them with forged Indian passports and fake visas, claiming these would pass all checks.
When the group tried to board their connecting flight to Luxembourg, Dubai immigration officers used ultraviolet light and other tools to inspect the visas. They quickly saw that the documents were missing important security features, such as special fonts, UV security marks, and correct color patterns. The officers detained the men and sent them back to India.
Mumbai Police Investigation
After the group landed in Mumbai, immigration officer Vishnu Sawant played a key role in confirming the fraud. He worked with Sahar police to question the men and examine the fake documents. The police found that the visas were poor copies and could be easily spotted as fake by anyone trained to check official documents.
Sahar police are now searching for the travel agent Kisan, who is believed to have created and sold the fake German visas and forged Indian passports. Authorities say he may be part of a larger network that helps people travel illegally by making and selling fake documents.
Wider Problem of Forged Documents
This case is not unique. India has seen a rise in scams involving fake visas and forged Indian passports. Many agents use fake Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and voter IDs to create new identities and help people get fake travel documents. These scams often target people who want to move abroad quickly, especially to Europe and Southeast Asia, by promising easy jobs and a better life.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these scams can have serious consequences for both the individuals involved and the country’s reputation. People caught with fake documents face arrest, deportation, and criminal charges. At the same time, these scams make it harder for honest travelers to get visas and can damage India’s relationships with other countries.
Government Response and Technology
To fight this problem, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has connected the Passport Related Information Data Exchange (PRIDE) database with immigration control systems. This helps officers at airports and border crossings spot fake passports and visas in real time. When a suspicious document is found, the system can quickly check it against official records and alert officers to possible fraud.
Enforcement agencies like Mumbai police, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), and the Central Crime Branch are also working together to break up these networks. They are looking into links between fake document scams, illegal money transfers (hawala), and even possible terror financing.
What Happens to Those Caught
Anyone caught with fake German visas or forged Indian passports faces serious legal trouble. Indian law treats forgery, fraud, and immigration violations as criminal offenses. Those found guilty can be sent to jail, fined, and banned from traveling abroad in the future. In this case, the seven men were arrested and will be prosecuted under Indian law.
The crackdown on fake documents has also led to more checks at major airports like Dubai and Mumbai. Immigration officers are now extra careful when checking visas and passports, making it much harder for people to travel with fake papers.
Risks of Using Unauthorized Agents
The arrest of these men and the search for the travel agent Kisan show the dangers of trusting unauthorized agents. Many people fall for promises of easy visas and jobs abroad, only to end up in legal trouble or stranded in foreign countries. Experts warn that only official embassy channels should be used for visa applications.
Expert Opinions and Solutions
Immigration experts say that better technology, such as biometric checks and linked databases, can help stop fake documents before they are used. They also call for more public awareness campaigns to warn people about the risks of using fake visas and forged Indian passports.
Authorities stress that these scams not only put individuals at risk but also hurt India’s standing with countries like Germany 🇩🇪 and Luxembourg 🇱🇺. If fake visas become common, other countries may make it harder for all Indian citizens to get visas in the future.
What’s Next?
Mumbai police and immigration authorities are still investigating this case. They hope to find and arrest the travel agent Kisan and anyone else involved in making or selling fake documents. There is also a push for better cooperation between Indian and foreign immigration officers, especially in places like Dubai, to share information and stop these scams.
New rules may be introduced later in 2025 to make it even harder for fake documents to be used. These could include stricter checks when issuing visas and tougher punishments for anyone caught making or selling fake papers.
Practical Advice for Travelers
- ✅ Always apply for visas through official embassy websites or government-approved centers.
- ✅ Never trust agents who promise guaranteed jobs or easy settlement abroad.
- ✅ Check your documents carefully and ask questions if anything seems suspicious.
- ✅ Report any offers of fake visas or forged Indian passports to the police.
For more information on how to apply for a passport or check the status of your application, visit the official Passport Seva website. This site provides up-to-date information and guidance for Indian citizens.
Conclusion
The recent arrests by Mumbai police highlight the ongoing fight against fake German visas and forged Indian passports. As authorities work to break up these criminal networks, travelers must stay alert and use only official channels for their immigration needs. By following the law and avoiding shortcuts, people can protect themselves from scams and help keep India’s reputation strong abroad.
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