A major security racket involving forged identity papers and fraudulent travel documents has been uncovered in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh. Police officials thwarted an illicit network dedicated to helping suspects secure genuine passports under assumed identities to facilitate their exit abroad. In a coordinated operation, personnel from Katghar police station alongside the Circle Officer of Katghar intercepted two key operatives near the Ramganga bridge. A search following the raid led to the seizure of 25 forged Aadhaar cards along with a substantial cache of counterfeited civil and financial documents.
Syndicate Targeted Convicts And Fugitives Via Telegram Groups
Inquiries into the gang's operational playbook revealed that they systematically targeted individuals unable to obtain travel clearance through standard channels due to existing criminal records. The operatives used encrypted Telegram groups to connect with prospective clients seeking clandestine paperwork. Once financial terms were agreed upon, syndicate members fabricated an entire paper trail comprising Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and residency credentials carrying fictitious names and altered local addresses to bypass administrative and police verification checks.
Custodial Link Unearthed As Outstation Suspect Pursued Alias Passport
The two apprehended suspects have been identified as Mahfooz and Akash. Mahfooz, originally hailing from Agwanpur and currently residing at Peer Ka Bazaar in Majhola, was found to be operating in tandem with Mukesh Sharma, an accused individual lodged inside jail. The second suspect, Akash, is a resident of Faridabad in Haryana. Investigators established that the syndicate was actively processing a fresh passport for Akash under the alias 'Ravi' using manufactured paperwork. The gang had utilized fabricated residential addresses across several localities, including Tajpur Mafi, to substantiate the bogus identity claim.
Counterfeit Councillor Letterheads And Digital Devices Recovered
Law enforcement teams recovered extensive fraudulent documentation from the duo's possession. The inventory of seized articles includes 25 counterfeit Aadhaar cards, 6 bank passbooks, 5 chequebooks, 4 PAN cards, 5 forged birth certificates, and 2 vehicle registration certificates. Officers also confiscated laptops and mobile phones deployed for forging identity certificates. Notably, investigators found fake official letterheads printed under the names of elected public representatives from Ward Number 25, Ward Number 31, and Agwanpur, which were routinely exploited to attest falsified local residency claims.
Authorities Coordinate With Passport Office To Cancel Fraudulent Documents
Moradabad Superintendent of Police (City) Kumar Ranvijay Singh stated that investigators are mapping out the wider operational web of this interstate ring. Law enforcement authorities are examining historical records of passports previously facilitated by this group and have initiated formal communication with the regional passport office to identify and revoke all fraudulent issuances. Special operational units have launched search raids across multiple locations to apprehend remaining associates, with officials indicating that further prominent conspirators may emerge as interrogation progresses.
