The Crime Branch (CB) sleuths on Wednesday arrested a Philippine national and his accomplice in an alleged passport fraud case, involving the procurement of an Indian passport using forged documents.
A press note issued by Superintendent of Police (Crime) Rahul Gupta stated that Federico Pinapin Moreno (41) was arrested on Wednesday following a complaint lodged by the Regional Passport Office (RPO), Panaji.
The officer informed that Moreno allegedly obtained an Indian passport by assuming a false identity and furnishing false information while suppressing material facts. He worked as a hairstylist at a salon in Porvorim.
“Moreno obtained the passport from the Goa regional passport office in the name of Erica Achumi by using forged documents...The probe further revealed that the accused had been staying in Goa without a valid visa or permission from the competent authorities,” the SP said.
During interrogation, Moreno disclosed the involvement of Vinit Bandiwdekar, who allegedly assisted him in obtaining an Aadhaar card and other documents required to secure the Indian passport. Bandiwdekar was also arrested on the same day.
The SP said further investigation is underway to collect additional evidence and to ascertain the involvement of other persons in the case.
