Mujeeb P.P., 49, was arrested in Malappuram, Kerala, on suspicion of misleading people by pretending to arrange their international trip using forged passports and Schengen visas. Two years ago, at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, police caught two agents and a passenger who was flying with a bogus visa to Spain. Police officials made the announcement of the arrest on Monday.

The false character of the visas was proven by further investigations conducted by the German ALO at the German Embassy in New Delhi, the Security, Investigation & Fraud Prevention Cell (NR), Air India, and Mathrubhumi.

During interrogation, the accused, Mujeeb P.P., disclosed that he collaborated with other agents on a commission basis and received a total of Rs 50,000 for each victim. Mujeeb P.P. acknowledged, according to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), that he and his friends had committed fraud in order to make quick cash to maintain an opulent lifestyle.

The purchase of Schengen visas by fraud is not an isolated incidence. Nine people were detained by Spanish police last month for their role in enabling the fictitious acquisition of Schengen visas for citizens of Nepal. Targeting a criminal network that was reportedly helping over 300 Nepalis obtain fictitious Schengen visas, which would have allowed them to enter Madrid and then the Schengen Zone illegally, the operation was carried out in Las Palmas and Madrid.

Regardless of the reason for their trip, Indian nationals must have a current passport in order to enter Europe or the nations that make up the EU Schengen Zone.