Interpol Takes Action on Visa Fraud Case

In a significant move, Interpol has issued its inaugural Silver notice following a request from India to trace the global assets of Shubham Shokeen, a former officer at the French Embassy, who is implicated in a visa fraud case, according to officials.

The Silver notice, a new initiative launched by Interpol in January, aims to monitor the movement of illicit assets worldwide. This pilot program, which includes participation from India, began with Italy's request for the first Silver notice.

Interpol utilizes nine distinct types of color-coded notices, each designed to gather specific information from its member nations. For example, a Red notice is issued for the detention of fugitives, while a Blue notice seeks additional information, a Black notice pertains to unidentified bodies, and a Yellow notice is for missing individuals.

India is one of the 51 countries involved in the initial phase of the Silver notice program, which will run until November.

During this pilot phase, each participating nation is allowed to publish up to nine Silver notices.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) stated that these Silver notices and Diffusions enable member countries to request information regarding assets associated with criminal activities, including fraud, corruption, drug trafficking, and environmental crimes.

This notice will aid in locating and identifying laundered assets, such as properties, vehicles, financial accounts, and businesses.

Countries can use the information obtained as a foundation for bilateral discussions, including requests for asset seizure, confiscation, or recovery, in accordance with their national laws.

The CBI noted that two Silver notices have been issued in rapid succession at its request. The first was on May 23 against Shokeen, who served as the Personnel Visas and Local Law Officer at the French Embassy in Delhi, followed by a second notice on May 26 for Amit Madanlal Lakhanpal, who is wanted by the Enforcement Directorate.

From September 2019 to May 2022, Shokeen allegedly conspired with others to facilitate the issuance of Schengen visas, collecting illegal payments ranging from Rs 1.5 million to Rs 4.5 million from each applicant.

The CBI spokesperson revealed that Shokeen used the proceeds from these crimes to acquire six properties in Dubai, valued at 7,760,500 dirhams (approximately Rs 15.73 crore).

Previously, the CBI had issued a Blue notice to locate Shokeen.

The CBI serves as the primary agency in India for all Interpol-related matters, with law enforcement agencies routing their requests through it.

Lakhanpal, who is also wanted by the Enforcement Directorate, allegedly created a cryptocurrency called MTC, which is not recognized in India, for personal financial gain.

He reportedly attracted investors to MTC, raising around Rs 113.10 crore without the necessary permissions from the government or the Reserve Bank of India.

The CBI stated that he failed to return the invested amounts to the depositors as promised and embezzled the funds, misleading investors by claiming to be an authorized representative of the Ministry of Finance.

The agency confirmed that India has already submitted requests for the issuance of Silver notices in various cases under investigation by the CBI, the Enforcement Directorate, and the Narcotics Control Bureau.