Gujarat Man Arrested in Multi-Crore International Human Trafficking Scam

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has made a significant arrest in a human trafficking case, apprehending a resident of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, for masterminding an illegal immigration operation. Since 2015, the suspect, identified as Bharatkumar Rambhai Patel, alias Bobby Patel, has allegedly been facilitating the illegal travel of Indian nationals abroad.

Authorities reported that Patel and his accomplices charged exorbitant fees to help Indians migrate overseas using fraudulent or fabricated documentation. These malpractices included acquiring visas with fake or duplicate passports, misleading authorities by impersonating travelers. Following thorough investigations, ED's Ahmedabad zonal office apprehended Patel, presenting him before the city's Special Judge under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The contents of the court case reveal Patel demanded between Rs 60 to 75 lakh for single travelers and higher rates for couples and families. Several FIRs have been filed against him across Gujarat, Delhi, and West Bengal. The illicit earnings from these operations are believed to exceed Rs 7 crore. The investigation remains ongoing.

(With inputs from agencies.)