The Goa Crime Branch has arrested a Philippine national and his aide in connection with an alleged fake passport racket involving the fraudulent procurement of an Indian passport using forged documents. The arrests were made following a complaint filed by the Regional Passport Office (RPO), Panaji.
According to police, 41-year-old Federico Pinapin Moreno, a Philippine national working as a hairstylist in Porvorim, allegedly obtained an Indian passport by assuming a false identity and furnishing forged documents. Investigators said the passport was secured in the name of “Erica Achumi” by suppressing material facts and providing false information during the application process.
The investigation further revealed that Moreno had allegedly been residing in Goa without a valid visa or permission from the competent authorities. During questioning, he reportedly disclosed the involvement of Vinit Bandiwdekar, who is accused of assisting him in obtaining an Aadhaar card and other documents required to secure the Indian passport.
Based on the findings, the Crime Branch arrested both Moreno and Bandiwdekar on January 7. Police are continuing their investigation to collect additional evidence and determine whether other individuals were involved in facilitating the passport fraud.
Authorities have reiterated that strict action will be taken against those involved in document forgery and identity fraud, which pose serious threats to national security and immigration regulations.
