In a significant crackdown on organized immigration crime, the Delhi Police has arrested more than 130 individuals this year for their alleged involvement in visa and passport frauds at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. The police revealed that the operation has marked a strategic shift, with investigators now meticulously tracing the financial trails of these illicit activities for the first time.
Following the Money: A New Investigative Focus
Deputy Commissioner of Police (IGI) Vichitra Veer stated that a major challenge was the cash-heavy nature of these transactions. Despite this, investigators pursued the financial angle, leading to the freezing of more than 100 bank accounts belonging to suspected agents and facilitators. Authorities are also in the process of identifying assets suspected to be purchased with the proceeds from these criminal activities.
"The challenge with this was that in most of the cases, a huge part of the money was said to be paid in cash. Yet, there was scope to work on this line of investigation," DCP Veer explained. This financial scrutiny aims to dismantle the economic infrastructure supporting the fraud networks.
Wider Net: Lookout Circulars and Proclaimed Offenders
To prevent key accused from fleeing the country, the police have been proactive in issuing lookout circulars (LOCs). In 2025 alone, 140 LOCs were issued against absconding individuals linked to these fraud cases. Furthermore, the airport unit's efforts led to the arrest of 119 proclaimed offenders, which includes individuals wanted in cases that are over a decade old.
Simultaneous Action Against Touts and Theft
The crackdown was not limited to document fraud. The IGI Airport unit has also intensified its action against touts who harass passengers and thefts from passenger baggage and cargo. Police data shows that over 300 cases were registered against touts, resulting in the arrest of more than 400 people.
In a parallel drive, approximately 60 persons were arrested in cases related to theft from baggage and cargo. As part of these theft investigations, ground-handling staff employed by various airlines were also questioned to identify systemic vulnerabilities.
The Delhi Police has emphasized that the objective of these coordinated operations is to completely eliminate illegal activities such as immigration fraud, touting, and theft at the nation's busiest airport. They have assured that strict and sustained action will continue to ensure passenger safety and security.
