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CBI Arrests Passport Official and Agent in Fake-Passport Ring

The case underscores deep flaws in India's passport verification process, prompting the CBI to extend its inquiries to additional officials and agents.

Verification officer among two arrested in Mumbai for issuing fake passports
Image
Arrested computer hacker and cyber criminal with handcuffs, close up of hands (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Overview

  • CBI arrested passport assistant Akshay Meena and private agent Bhavesh Shah for allegedly issuing seven passports based on forged Aadhar, PAN and other documents.
  • A special court remanded both to CBI custody through June 2 after the agency revealed that five of the illicit passport holders had already departed overseas.
  • Investigators uncovered nearly ₹1.9 lakh in kickbacks paid to Meena during 2023-24 to expedite approvals without proper verification.
  • Seized WhatsApp exchanges between the duo detailed their scheme to coordinate document forgeries and negotiate payments.
  • All seven passport recipients remain at large as the probe widens to include the recent airport arrest of Maria Khatun Mohammad Mansoor Ali for using a forged passport.