Rs 1.75 crore per family: Gujarat man arrested in Dunki route immigration racket

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Bharatkumar Rambhai Patel, also known as Bobby Patel, under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in connection with the 'Dunki human trafficking' case.

According to the ED, Patel was involved in sending Indian nationals abroad using bogus or fabricated documents to obtain visas for different countries. Duplicate or forged passports were allegedly used, with individuals impersonating genuine passengers.

The investigation revealed that Patel and his associates charged Rs 60 to 75 lakh for one passenger, Rs 1 to 1.25 crore for a couple, and Rs 1.25 to 1.75 crore for families with children.

The ED initiated its investigation based on an FIR registered by Shola High Court Police Station in Ahmedabad, which accused Patel and others of illegally sending Indian citizens abroad since 2015.

Multiple FIRs have been registered against Patel across Gujarat, Delhi, and West Bengal. The estimated proceeds of the crime in the case amount to at least Rs 7 crore.

Patel was produced before the Special Judge (PMLA) at the Mirzapura Court in Ahmedabad on Thursday, which granted four days of ED custody.

Further investigation is underway.

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