Human trafficking racket busted

The Special Operations Squad of the Crime Branch has apprehended five people, including a Spanish national, in connection with a manpower trafficking racket, police said.

The Special Operations Squad of the Crime Branch has apprehended five people, including a Spanish national, in connection with a manpower trafficking racket, police said.

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The Crime Branch arrested Anand Malkani (31), Upkar Singh (28), Satish Rattu (36) and Maxaon Tito (47) from a restaurant in Lajpat Nagar on December 17. They were allegedly exchanging fake passports and forged documents.

“The members of this gang are based all over India, especially in Punjab,” said Neeraj Thakur, ACP (crime).

“They would contact aspirants who wanted to migrate to Europe, lure them into paying Rs 8 to 10 lakh, and provide them Schenegen visas (needed to immigrate to Spain and other European countries) using forged documents,” he added.

During interrogation, the four associates allegedly confessed they were involved in obtaining Schenegen visas on the basis of documents such as pan cards, LIC statements, etc, police said.

They said a Spanish National, Gerardo Morante Mendez (36), and an official working at the Spanish Embassy, were allegedly involved, the police said.

Acting on the gang’s confession, Mendez was allegedly apprehended from Chanakyapuri and photocopies of four Schenegen visas were recovered from him, police said.

The police said the fees was paid in different installments.

“Part payment was made to the agent when they handed their passport, initiating the visa process,” said Thakur.

“The passport would be handed over to Malkani, the gang leader, who would procure forged documents through Rattu.”

“Gerardo would provide the invitation letter. After the requirements were fulfilled, their accomplice in the Spanish Embassy would arrange for the visa,” said Thakur.