French Visa Scam: 8 Accused Chargesheeted; CBI Uses First Interpol Silver Notice to Trace Overseas Assets

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a chargesheet in a high-profile visa fraud case involving the French Embassy in New Delhi. The case involves 8 accused individuals, including a Local Law Officer in the Visa Department of the French Embassy, his family members, 2 visa agents, and 2 middlemen. The accused defrauded applicants by processing Schengen visa applications in exchange for hefty amounts of money, only to destroy the visa documents post-issuance. 

Furthermore, in a significant development, the CBI obtained India’s first-ever Silver Notice from Interpol to trace the assets abroad that were acquired through the fraudulent activities.

French Visa Fraud

The fraud took place between January 2021 and May 2022 when the accused, working as the Local Law Officer in the Visa Department of the French Embassy in New Delhi, targeted applicants from Punjab who were seeking Schengen visas. The accused set up a network of visa agents who induced these applicants to pay large sums of money, ranging from ₹13 lakh to ₹45 lakh each. In return, the visa applications were processed, and Schengen visas were issued to the victims.

However, after the visas were issued, the accused deliberately destroyed the visa documents and files, leaving the applicants without proper records and facing potential legal troubles. This unethical practice of charging exorbitant fees and destroying documents created significant distress for many individuals.

Role of the Visa Agents and Middlemen

2 visa agents played a pivotal role in facilitating this fraudulent scheme. These agents, mostly based in Punjab, acted as intermediaries between the applicants and the accused law officer. They received large sums of money from the victims, which ranged from ₹13 lakh to ₹45 lakh per person. The money was funnelled through multiple bank accounts, which ultimately reached the law officer and his family members, including his father, brother, and wife through the 2 middlemen.

Investigations revealed that substantial amounts of cash, as well as multiple documents related to properties worth crores, were discovered at various locations in Punjab and Delhi. These findings have further deepened the probe into the financial activities of the accused and their network.

Read More: Dubai Brokerage Firm Disappears Overnight; Indian Investors Among Victims of Alleged Scam! 

India’s First Silver Notice by Interpol

In a landmark achievement for the CBI, India's first-ever Silver Notice has been published by Interpol in connection with this case. The Silver Notice aims to trace the proceeds of crime abroad, specifically the properties and assets that were illegally acquired by the accused individuals. The Silver Notice is a unique tool used by Interpol to request information from international law enforcement agencies regarding criminal assets, which is crucial for tracking down and seizing proceeds derived from crime.

The International Operations Division of the CBI worked closely with the International Police Cooperation Unit to secure this notice, marking a significant step in cross-border law enforcement cooperation. The publication of the Silver Notice is a testament to the CBI’s commitment to tackling crime that extends beyond national borders and helping victims both in India and abroad.

The Evidence and Investigation Process

The investigation conducted by the CBI was thorough and extensive. During the probe, large sums of cash and various documents linking the accused to properties worth crores were found across multiple locations in Punjab and Delhi. The 2 visa agents, key co-conspirators in the case, funneled the money through different bank accounts, eventually directing the proceeds to the law officer and his family members.

In addition to the Silver Notice issued by Interpol, the CBI has coordinated with multiple international agencies to secure evidence and strengthen the case. The cooperation between national and international agencies has played a crucial role in the investigation and the subsequent chargesheet filed in the court.

Conclusion

The filing of the chargesheet in the French Embassy Visa Fraud Case marks a significant milestone in the ongoing investigation. With the involvement of high-profile individuals and a network spanning across borders, the case demonstrates the complexity and scale of the fraud. 

The Silver Notice issued by Interpol serves as a major development, as it not only aids in tracing assets abroad but also highlights India’s commitment to combating international crime. The CBI's continuous efforts to collaborate with global law enforcement agencies showcase its determination to bring justice to the victims and dismantle criminal networks operating across borders.

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