In a significant operation targeting organized immigration fraud, the Delhi Police unit at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport announced on Friday the arrest of more than 130 individuals in the year 2025. The crackdown netted travel agents and facilitators allegedly involved in sophisticated networks enabling illegal immigration through forged documents.
Financial Probes Mark Strategic Shift in Investigation
Officials highlighted that the operation represented a major strategic shift, moving beyond traditional methods to include intensive financial investigations. For the first time, police meticulously traced the money trail to identify the proceeds of crime generated by these fraudulent networks.
Despite the common use of large cash transactions to obscure the paper trail, investigators successfully identified and froze more than 100 bank accounts linked to the accused agents. These accounts exhibited clear patterns of suspicious financial activity.
In a landmark move, the police have already approached a competent court seeking attachment of a property believed to have been purchased with criminal proceeds. Similar proceedings are being initiated against other accused, signaling a robust effort to dismantle the economic foundations of these rackets.
Preventing Flight and Arresting Fugitives
To prevent suspects from fleeing the country, the IGI Airport unit proactively secured the issuance of 140 Look Out Circulars (LOCs) against absconders throughout the year. This measure proved crucial in keeping wanted individuals within the country's borders.
Furthermore, the unit intensified efforts to apprehend long-standing fugitives, arresting 119 Proclaimed Offenders in 2025. This list included individuals wanted in cases that were over a decade old, demonstrating a renewed focus on closing pending investigations.
Parallel Crackdown on Touting and Theft
The police action extended beyond document fraud to address other criminal activities plaguing the airport premises. A dedicated drive against touting led to the registration of over 300 cases and the arrest of more than 400 people.
In separate operations targeting theft from passenger baggage and cargo, over 60 individuals were taken into custody. As part of these probes, ground handling staff of concerned airlines were also questioned to identify potential insider involvement.
Zero-Tolerance Policy Reiterated
Reiterating the unit's uncompromising stance, Deputy Commissioner of Police (IGI Airport) Vichitra Veer stated, "The objective remains to completely eliminate illegal activities such as fraud, illegal immigration, touting and theft at Delhi's airport."
The IGI Airport Police affirmed its commitment to continue taking strict action against offenders. The twin goals are to ensure the highest levels of passenger safety and to maintain the integrity and smooth functioning of all airport operations.
