Authorities Uncover Pigeon Hunt Scandal: 21 Gujaratis from Patan, Banaskantha, Gandhinagar, and Anand Under Investigation
Reports indicate that the United States has recently exposed the largest human trafficking racket, and subsequently, a chartered flight at France’s Vatry Airport was investigated for suspected human trafficking. France halted the flight and conducted a thorough inspection, detaining 303 passengers, including 21 Gujaratis. These passengers were from various regions in Gujarat, including Patan, Banaskantha, Mahisagar, rural areas of Gandhinagar, and Anand.
The individuals are being investigated by the Crime Investigation Department (CID) with the assistance of four teams. The CID has initiated an inquiry into the alleged involvement of pigeon racing and agents. A total of 16 police officers, including four Deputy Superintendents of Police (DySPs), are part of the teams conducting the investigation. The inquiry also involves looking into the requests from the families of those detained. The agents are being questioned regarding the money they received and the promises made. The investigation aims to unravel the circumstances and assess the situation of the individuals involved in this alleged human trafficking racket.
Gujaratis Return Today
Two days ago, we received news from various sources and the media that a plane had been detained in France. This involved several Indian citizens from different states, including Punjab and Gujarat. Following this information, the Director General of Police (DGP) advised an immediate investigation by the Crime Investigation Department (CID). In this investigation, several individuals from Gujarat, including those facing charges, have returned to Mumbai today. The CID has set up various units to gather information based on the details provided by these individuals. This comprehensive investigation is not only focusing on the residents of Gujarat but also extending to other states and countries through various promises made by these individuals.
People from North Gujarat and Anand under CID Crime Investigation
The CID Crime branch has initiated action against individuals from North Gujarat, including districts like Banaskantha, Patan, Mehsana, and Anand. A considerable number of people from these regions are involved in the ongoing investigation. Besides, there are individuals from various places in India and abroad connected to these people. The Gujarat Police team is in contact with them. After their return, the police will collect information and try to coordinate with them through agencies or agents, understanding the basis of their documents and promises. Some individuals have already gone, and others are in the process. The investigation will continue to examine the matter thoroughly and take legal action accordingly.
Thorough Investigation for Detained Individuals
Our Gujarat Police Bureau is in collaboration with immigration and an agency of the Government of India. We are in contact with them. We know that within two to three days, these individuals will return to Mumbai by a chartered plane full of people. Therefore, we are actively trying to gather information about these citizens of Gujarat, and we consider ourselves as actively engaged. Although we have information so far, which is available in our records, we cannot conduct a systematic investigation for the detained individuals until we have specific information about where they are from—whether from Gujarat or South India. For now, it is North Gujarat. Many people from Punjab have also been arrested. So, we are connecting with each other where there is an agency. In villages, talukas, and small areas, some agents will work. Taking people from small districts, they will work up to certain places. After that, they will be involved internationally. Their work also extends to areas where there are operations of other people. It is expected that within a short period, Gujarat Police will present a clear picture internationally.
Extensive Analysis in Various Processes
In each case, diverse information is involved, and a plethora of data or materials are seized during raids. We do not leave any evidence unexamined, including computers, laptops, mobile phones, and confiscated documents like certificates from 10th and 12th grades, along with several bank statements. Much of this information is sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for analysis, and the findings are returned to us. Thorough analysis is conducted in many processes, and a substantial amount of data is retrieved. Additionally, fraudulent documents are created in collaboration with educational institutions at the national and state levels. In current investigations, individuals are found to have manipulated document verification processes at different locations, including universities. These include creating bogus documents and forging educational certificates. In some cases, individuals claim that the certificates were not issued by our institution but were, in fact, produced by fraudulent means. Consequently, we conduct extensive investigations in collaboration with educational institutions, confirming the authenticity of certificates and exposing the creation of fraudulent documents. This process involves cross-verification with education authorities to ensure that any questionable documents are thoroughly scrutinized.
Infiltration with Various Systems
In cases related to M.O. (Modus Operandi), various scenarios unfold. Some cases involve minors seeking to go abroad or not willing to travel, enticed by promises from agents assuring that their child will be safe. Subsequently, fake documents, such as a barman’s certificate, college certificates, followed by another certificate indicating experience at a different place, are created. In some instances, fraudulent documents are fabricated to increase the percentage for PR or student visas. Fraudulent documents are not only linked to individuals in direct contact but are also connected to various educational institutions at the state and national levels. Some of these may involve well-known business houses or banks, and even foreign universities where the individual might intend to apply. These infiltrations are recorded and documented by our team, leading to subsequent legal actions.
Diverse MO Across Different Agencies
There are distinct modus operandi across various agencies. Until now, primary information hasn’t reached the level where the core of the fraud can be unveiled. In the past, several cases involved the fraudulent issuance of visas by agencies. Some individuals make false promises, and every SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) differs. In some cases, people pay money upfront, while in others, payment is demanded after partial completion of work. There are instances where payment is requested after reaching the USA. The MOs are distinct among different agencies. The needs of individuals, the readiness of front agencies, and the shortcomings in documents vary. Understanding how these documents are fabricated is crucial. Several cases involve creating fraudulent documents, and the pricing depends on the perceived value. While these individuals are adept at creating false documents, the robust questioning by the Gujarat Police often leads to the unveiling of their campaigns.
