On May 29, 2025, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested a passport official, Akshay Meena, and an agent for their involvement in issuing seven fraudulent Tatkaal passports using forged documents. The identities of these passport holders are unclear, and five have already left the country, raising serious security concerns. The accused facilitated the issuance of passports by accepting forged Aadhaar and PAN cards, bank statements, and birth certificates. Some passports were issued under Emigration Check Not Required (ECNR) status. The illegal activity came to light following a surprise inspection at Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) centres in Mumbai by the CBI, along with RPO Mumbai and the vigilance department, in July of the previous year. Investigations revealed that Meena communicated with agents, accepted bribes, and coordinated the processing of fake applications. WhatsApp messages further substantiated these allegations. The court has granted CBI custody of the accused until June 2 for further investigation.

This incident is part of a broader investigation into passport fraud in Mumbai. In June 2024, the CBI registered 12 cases against 14 passport department officers and 18 agents for allegedly issuing dubious passports in return for bribes. Raids were conducted at 33 locations in Maharashtra, including Passport Seva Kendras in Malad, Lower Parel, and Nashik. The accused were found to be in regular contact with each other, conspiring to issue passports with inadequate or manipulated documentation.

The CBI’s ongoing efforts aim to dismantle the nexus between corrupt officials and agents involved in compromising the integrity of the passport issuance system.

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