Visa Fraud Crackdown: 130 Arrested at Delhi IGI Airport

In one of the most sweeping law enforcement actions seen at India’s busiest aviation hub, the IGI Airport unit of Delhi Police dismantled multiple visa and passport fraud networks in 2025, arresting more than 130 individuals involved in illegal immigration rackets. Officials confirmed on Friday that those held include travel agents, middlemen, and facilitators who operated sophisticated fraud chains targeting vulnerable travellers.

According to a press release issued by the IGI Airport Police, the year-long operation signalled a decisive shift in investigative strategy. Instead of focusing solely on document forgery and illegal travel attempts, investigators placed unprecedented emphasis on financial tracking to uncover the economic backbone of organised immigration fraud.

Visa Fraud Crackdown: Financial Investigations Redefine Enforcement Strategy

For the first time, police conducted detailed financial probes into suspected agents, tracing illicit money flows generated through fake visas, forged passports, and unlawful overseas placements. Despite the complexity posed by large cash-based transactions, investigators identified over 100 bank accounts linked to fraud networks that displayed suspicious financial activity. All these accounts have been frozen for debit operations.

In a landmark move, the police have already approached a competent court seeking attachment of properties believed to have been acquired using proceeds of crime. Officials confirmed that similar legal proceedings are underway against several other accused agents, indicating that financial consequences will now accompany criminal prosecution.

Look Out Circulars Issued to Prevent Escape

To ensure that accused individuals do not flee the country, Delhi Police secured the issuance of 140 Look Out Circulars (LOCs) against absconders during 2025. These measures significantly strengthened border surveillance and helped authorities intercept suspects attempting to leave India using fraudulent or manipulated travel documents.

Visa Fraud Crackdown: Arrest of Proclaimed Offenders Revives Cold Cases

The intensified drive also led to the arrest of 119 Proclaimed Offenders, including individuals wanted in cases dating back over a decade. Officials described this as a major breakthrough, achieved through the integration of legacy case data with modern surveillance and financial intelligence tools.

Crackdown on Touting and Airport Theft

Beyond immigration fraud, the IGI Airport unit expanded its enforcement against touts and theft rings operating within airport premises. More than 300 cases of touting were registered, resulting in the arrest of over 400 individuals who targeted passengers with unauthorised services and deceptive practices.

In parallel operations, over 60 arrests were made in cases related to theft from passenger baggage and cargo areas. As part of these investigations, ground handling staff of concerned airlines were questioned to identify potential internal lapses and prevent future security breaches.

Zero-Tolerance Policy Reaffirmed

Reiterating the unit’s uncompromising stance, Deputy Commissioner of Police (IGI Airport) Vichitra Veer stated that the objective remains the complete elimination of illegal activities such as fraud, illegal immigration, touting, and theft at Delhi’s airport.

“The focus is on dismantling networks, not just arresting individuals,” officials said, adding that sustained financial scrutiny will remain central to future operations.