Mumbai Visa Scam: 7 Indians Deported Over Fake Visas

Mumbai, July 15, 2025 — In a growing crackdown on international visa fraud, Mumbai’s immigration authorities arrested seven Indian nationals from Gujarat after they were deported from Dubai for attempting to travel to Europe using forged Luxembourg Schengen visas.

The arrested individuals — residents of Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Mehsana, and Motera — were intercepted at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport upon arrival from the UAE. The group had originally travelled to Dubai on valid tourist visas but were detained by Dubai immigration when their onward travel documents to Luxembourg raised suspicions.

Forgery Detected During Transit

According to officials, the visas — allegedly issued by Luxembourg — lacked key security features and failed database verification during routine inspection in Dubai. Immigration officers at Mumbai, led by Officer Vishnu Sawant, confirmed the documents were counterfeit and initiated immediate legal action.

All seven passengers were taken into custody under charges of cheating, forgery, and attempting illegal immigration. Initial questioning revealed they had paid large sums to a Gujarat-based agent named "Kisan," who assured them job opportunities and legal residency in the European Union.

Widening Investigation into Organised Scam

The Sahar Police have launched a manhunt for the alleged agent and are working with cybercrime and immigration units to trace the larger network facilitating forged visas. Authorities believe the scam may be part of a broader racket targeting aspirants from smaller cities with false promises of overseas employment.

The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of Schengen visa fraud involving Indian nationals. Earlier in 2025, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) exposed a multi-crore scam involving a staff member of the French Embassy in New Delhi, who was reportedly charging up to ₹45 lakh per visa.

Pattern of Fraud Across India

This case adds to a growing list of similar incidents. In March 2025, Delhi Police arrested a travel agent at IGI Airport who had sold fake Dutch Schengen visas to clients seeking entry into Spain. Authorities warn that such fraudulent schemes are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with counterfeit documents closely mimicking authentic ones.

Authorities Urge Caution

Officials are advising citizens to exercise extreme caution while dealing with immigration agents, especially those offering fast-track or guaranteed Schengen visas at exorbitant rates. The Schengen visa process is strictly governed by European consulates and authorized application centers like VFS Global.

“Do not fall prey to agents who promise jobs or quick European visas. Always apply through official government or embassy websites,” said a senior immigration officer.

Legal Consequences & Travel Ban

The arrested individuals now face criminal charges under sections of the Indian Penal Code relating to forgery, fraud, and conspiracy. If convicted, they may face imprisonment and long-term travel restrictions across multiple countries.

Travel Tip:
To verify Schengen visa authenticity, applicants are encouraged to cross-check reference numbers through embassy portals and use only certified channels for international job placements and migration.