Fake Marriages, Sham Divorces, and UK Visas: Gujarat Police Uncover Illegal Immigration Racket

Bharuch, Gujarat:
In a shocking revelation, Bharuch police have unearthed a sophisticated illegal immigration racket involving fake marriages and divorces to secure UK visas. The case came to light when a financial dispute exposed the fraudulent scheme, prompting authorities to investigate.

The racket involved a local woman, Tasleembanu Karbhari, who was registered as the wife of Rizwan Meda, a UK-based resident of Valan village in Bharuch. Using forged marriage certificates (Nikahnama) and fake divorce documents, the conspirators arranged for Tasleembanu to travel to the United Kingdom on a dependent visa.

How the Scheme Unfolded

According to Inspector Anand Chaudhary, Rizwan Meda had collaborated with an agent, Shoaib Daud Ikharia, to process the UK visa using falsified documents. The agreement for facilitating the visa and preparing fake divorce papers was reportedly settled for ₹3.5 lakh. The transaction sparked a dispute when the family allegedly failed to pay the full amount, leading Rizwan to approach the Bharuch police in October last year.

The police investigation revealed that the fraudulent marriage plan originated in February 2024. The fake marriage registration listed Tasleembanu as Rizwan Meda’s wife, which enabled her UK visa application. After reaching Britain, the financial dispute escalated, and the parties allegedly manipulated the legal system to create a fabricated divorce decree, claiming that the couple had legally separated, thereby terminating Tasleembanu’s dependent status.

Legal Action Initiated

Authorities have booked Rizwan Meda, Tasleembanu, her brother Faizal, and lawyer Sajid Kothia under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including:

• Section 467 – Forgery of valuable security
• Section 468 – Forgery for cheating
• Section 471 – Using forged documents as genuine
• Section 120B – Criminal conspiracy
• Section 177 – Furnishing false information
• Section 114 – Abetment of offense in the presence of the offender

Inspector Chaudhary also confirmed that the police have initiated formal communication with the British High Commission and Embassy regarding the case, as the key individuals involved are currently in the United Kingdom.

The exposure of this illegal immigration scheme highlights the rising complexity of cross-border fraud and underscores the need for vigilance against the misuse of legal and immigration systems.