Fake Passport Scam Uncovered in Ghaziabad, Afghan Link Triggers Security Probe

Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh):A major security concern has emerged after 22 passports were reportedly issued on fake addresses in Delhi, prompting investigation by police and central security agencies. Authorities are now scrutinizing the travel records of the passport holders and coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Airport Authority of India (AAI) to track their movements.

According to police sources, the case came to light on December 11, 2025, when the Regional Passport Officer (RPO) in Delhi wrote to the Ghaziabad Police Commissioner, informing that 22 passports had been issued from the Delhi Passport Office using addresses in Bhojpur and Tyodhi villages, all linked to a single mobile number. On-site verification revealed that these addresses were fabricated and did not belong to the applicants.

Verification Challenge

Police face a major challenge in verifying the identities of the 22 individuals involved. Investigations revealed that applicants used fake Aadhaar and PAN cards during the passport application process. It remains unclear whether the names on the passports are genuine or altered. ACP Amit Saxena stated that the authorities are now combing through the travel records of the suspects to establish their movements and connections.

Delhi-Based Gang Behind the Scam

Investigators have traced the operation to a gang operating from Delhi. Key figures include Vivek Gandhi, a resident of Qutub Vihar, who coordinated with the postal service and police, and Prakash Subba, both of whom identified clients seeking fake passports. Following the intelligence received from Delhi, the Ghaziabad Police launched the investigation in December 2025.

Cyber Cell Steps In

The Cyber Cell has examined over 20 mobile numbers connected to the applications. Four primary phone numbers were used to file the 22 passport applications: one number linked to 13 applications, the second to six, the third to two, and the fourth to a single application.

Arrests and Afghan Connection

On Sunday, police arrested five individuals, including a woman, linked to the operation. Investigations revealed that the woman and her son originally hail from Afghanistan, while Satwant Kaur and her son Amandeep have been residing in Delhi since 1990.

Why Bhojpur and Tyodhi?

Authorities are investigating why the villages of Bhojpur and Tyodhi were chosen for the fake addresses. Both villages have a predominantly Muslim population, whereas most passports were reportedly linked to individuals from the Sikh community, despite no Sikh families residing in these areas.

The investigation remains ongoing as police work to dismantle the network and ensure accountability for this large-scale forgery operation.