Fake Wrestlers, Forged Letters: WFI In Spotlight After Visa Scam Raises Human Trafficking Alarm

Last Updated:March 12, 2026, 19:09 IST

A fake Indian wrestling team tried to secure Hungary visas using forged WFI documents, raising fears of a possible human trafficking attempt.

A suspected human trafficking attempt has come to light after a group posing as Indian wrestlers tried to secure visas from the Hungarian Embassy in New Delhi using forged WFI documents.

The incident surfaced after the embassy contacted the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) on Thursday, seeking verification of a recommendation letter submitted with visa applications.

The document claimed that the applicants were set to participate in an “international wrestling training and competition programme" in Budapest from March 15 to 22.

The letter, dated March 4, appeared to carry official federation backing. But the WFI quickly shot it down.

“This has reference to your e-mail dated March 12 seeking clarification regarding the authenticity of the document… the attached letter is fake and has not been issued by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI)," WFI president Sanjay Kumar Singh wrote in his reply to the embassy.

Forged Documents Raise Red Flags

The forged letter claimed that 11 wrestlers and one manager had been recommended by the federation for visas to travel to Hungary.

However, once WFI officials examined the document, several inconsistencies immediately stood out.

Among them was the use of the name of a former office-bearer in the wrong capacity.

“It is also clarified that Mr V.N. Prasood is no longer holding the position of Secretary General of WFI and is currently serving as Vice President, WFI. The matter has been verified with Mr Prasood, who has categorically denied issuing any such letter," Singh said.

Officials also noted that the letterhead used outdated contact details and an old address, further confirming the document had been fabricated.

Embassy Urged to Take Action

In its response, the federation urged the Hungarian Embassy not to process the visa applications and to initiate legal action against those responsible.

“In view of the above, it is requested that no visa process may be initiated on the basis of the said letter, and appropriate legal action may be taken against the individuals involved," the WFI stated.

The federation also clarified that all official Indian entries for international competitions are processed directly through the national body.

To underline the point, the WFI noted that the next major wrestling event in Budapest involving Indian athletes — the Ranking Series ‘Polyak Imre, Varga Nanos & Kozma Istvan Memorial’ tournament — is scheduled only in July.

Human Trafficking Angle Being Examined

According to WFI president Sanjay Singh, authorities may now investigate whether the incident was part of a wider trafficking attempt.

“The incident could potentially be linked to a human trafficking attempt, with individuals allegedly trying to travel abroad by posing as sportspersons using forged federation documents," he told PTI.

“We had first received a call from the embassy. We asked for documents via e-mail. Upon checking we found that it’s all fake. We responded to the embassy immediately. There should be an enquiry into it."

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