Immigration racket: Mumbai cops alert US, UK

On November 18, the Crime Branch had arrested four persons and busted an illegal immigration racket to the UK, and on November 26, a Mumbai-based Jet Airways airhostess and four others were arrested for their alleged involvement in an immigration racket to the US.

“Since 2006, at least 35 Indians have illegally migrated to Southall in the UK, and at least three have illegally migrated to the US. We have provided their details to the UK High Commission and the US Consulate, who will follow up on these persons. On our part, we will get Red Corner Notices (RCNs) issued against them,” said Maria.

“Ramprakash Kapoor and his wife Pawan, who were arrested in the immigration racket to the UK, were called to Southall by their son, who owned a shop there. He wanted his own parents to look after the shop, instead of employing others. Rajesh Trivedi (who posed as airhostess Aliah Rizvi’s husband to go to the US) wanted to stay back and work in a bakery in which his friend was already employed,” said Maria.

According to the Crime Branch, there may be several others against whom such notices can be issued in the future.

“Investigations are on, and many details are yet to be ascertained. There may be several others who have illegally stayed back in these two countries. Once we find out their identities, notices will be issued against them as well,” said Maria.

“The (immigration) rackets involve fraudulently obtained passports, and therefore police officers involved in verifying such passports will come under the scanner, as well as officers at the passport office.The case will be taken to its logical end,” he said.