A daring police operation in Gopalganj, Bihar, has dismantled a fraudulent syndicate preying on aspiring emigrants. One key operator was arrested, with police seizing 349 passports in what could be one of the largest recoveries of its kind in recent times.
The scam worked like clockwork: Advertise dream jobs abroad, collect fees and passports, then vanish. Primarily rural youth, hoping to escape poverty, fell victim to these tactics. The accused posed as a trusted consultant, building a network through word-of-mouth in villages.
Alerted by mounting FIRs, a joint team swooped down on the suspect’s residence. ‘The sheer volume of passports shocked us; many victims had given up hope,’ an officer recounted. Forensic teams are now verifying the documents for signs of tampering or use in illegal activities.
This incident spotlights systemic issues in India’s migration ecosystem. With lakhs attempting to go abroad annually from Bihar, rogue agents exploit regulatory gaps. Officials emphasize using eMigrate portal and MEA-approved recruiters.
The investigation has snowballed, with potential ties to passport mafias in other districts. Recovered items include cash, fake offer letters, and laptops. The accused faces charges of cheating, criminal breach of trust, and violations under anti-trafficking laws. Bihar Police vows to eradicate such rackets, safeguarding migrant dreams from deceit.