Mumbai Crime Branch Recreates Scene At Airport In ₹60 Lakh 'Dunki Route' Immigration Scam

Mumbai: In a significant development in the 30 to 60 lakh ‘Dunki Route’ immigration scam, the Mumbai Crime Branch on Wednesday took the arrested accused to the airport to recreate the crime scene. According to sources, the crime branch demonstrated the entire modus operandi, from entering the airport to boarding the flight.

Investigations revealed that individuals seeking illegal immigration to Canada would contact agents and negotiate a deal between ₹30 lakh to ₹60 lakh. The agents, in turn, coordinated with their counterparts in Canada, who identified Indian passport holders with valid visas (at least six months validity). The passports were then auctioned, and the highest bidder received the passport with a Canadian visa.

The passport was couriered back to India, where the photo of the original holder was carefully replaced with that of the illegal immigrant—creating what is known as a "Photo Change (PC) Passport." The agents then trained the immigrants on how to use two separate envelopes—one containing a fake passport, visa, and ticket, and the other holding the genuine PC passport, visa, and ticket.

Step-by-Step Execution at the Airport

1. Entry & Check-In: At the airport entrance, the individual carried the PC passport, real visa, and real ticket in Envelope (B). CISF personnel checked the documents, which appeared legitimate.

2. Boarding Pass Collection: The immigrant proceeded to the airline counter to collect a boarding pass before heading for security screening.

3. Switching Documents: Before immigration clearance, the individual swapped Envelope (B) with Envelope (A) in the restroom. Envelope (A) contained the fake visa and ticket.

4. Immigration Clearance: The fake documents were presented at immigration. Since officers relied on UV light verification, the fake visa often passed as authentic. Once stamped, the immigrant returned to the restroom to switch back to Envelope (B), which had the real documents.

5. Forging the Stamp: Using a duplicate rubber immigration stamp, the individual carefully stamped the PC passport and real visa, ensuring authenticity in case of a second check.

Throughout the process, agents remained in contact, guiding the immigrant via phone to avoid suspicion.

Ongoing Investigation

The crime branch is further probing the involvement of international agents and the extent of the racket. Officials are also looking into whether airport or immigration staff were complicit. The accused arrested in the case remain in custody as the investigation continues.