New Delhi: Delhi Police have stepped up their campaign against visa and passport-related fraud, arresting more than 130 people so far in 2025, including travel agents and intermediaries allegedly involved in organised rackets.
Officials said the operation, led primarily by the IGI Airport police unit, focused on dismantling networks accused of preparing forged travel documents, duping passengers and enabling unlawful overseas travel. The accused were apprehended from multiple states following coordinated investigations.
In a significant development, police have also begun probing the financial dealings of those arrested. For the first time, investigators launched parallel financial inquiries to track illegal earnings, resulting in the freezing of over 100 bank accounts found to be linked to suspicious transactions.
A senior police officer said investigators were instructed to closely examine money trails connected to each case. “While many payments were made in cash, our teams were still able to uncover substantial financial links through banking records and other evidence,” the officer said.
Authorities are now moving to identify and seize assets believed to have been purchased using proceeds from fraudulent activities. In one instance, police have already approached a court seeking the attachment of property owned by an accused agent. Similar legal steps are being prepared in other cases where sufficient proof has been gathered.
To prevent suspects from evading arrest, Delhi Police issued around 140 lookout circulars this year. As a result, several individuals facing charges were stopped at airports while attempting to leave the country.
The enforcement drive has also led to the arrest of 119 proclaimed offenders, including some who had been evading law enforcement for over ten years, officials added.
Beyond document fraud, police have widened their focus to other offences at airports. More than 300 cases related to touting were registered during the year, leading to the arrest of over 400 people. In addition, investigations into baggage and cargo theft resulted in more than 60 arrests. Ground handling staff of airlines were also questioned to determine whether there was any involvement or lapse in duty.
Police officials said the sustained crackdown is aimed at restoring passenger confidence and sending a strong message to organised crime groups exploiting international travel systems.
