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3w ago

CBI Files Chargesheet Against Eight in French Embassy Visa Scam

The probe uncovered extortion of Punjab applicants for Schengen visas; the deliberate destruction of records; the unprecedented use of an Interpol Silver Notice to track assets abroad.

A list of Interpol notices | Photo: interpol.int
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Representative Image (IANS)
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Overview

  • The CBI filed a chargesheet on June 11 against eight accused, including former French Embassy law officer Shubham Shokeen, his father, brother, wife, two visa agents and two middlemen.
  • Investigators allege the network demanded between Rs 13 lakh and Rs 45 lakh per applicant between January 2021 and May 2022, processed Schengen visas then destroyed files to conceal the fraud.
  • Searches in Delhi and Punjab uncovered large volumes of cash and documents related to properties worth crores in India and at least six immovable assets in Dubai.
  • Shubham Shokeen is believed to have fled the country, prompting CBI requests for Interpol Blue and Silver Notices to locate him and freeze his overseas proceeds.
  • The agency credited coordination with international partners for securing India’s first Interpol Silver Notice, enhancing its ability to pursue transnational financial crimes.