Indian arrests over fake Schengen visas

New Delhi police have arrested three men believed to be involved in a human trafficking ring that has been sending Indians to Malta and other European countries.

The three Indians were allegedly sending their fellow countrymen to Malta and other countries on the basis of Schengen visas obtained through fraudulent means, according to reports in several Indian media. The gang allegedly lured unemployed young people, especially from Punjab, who were asked to pay to obtain the visas procured from what was described as a High Commission, by using forged documents.

In all, the Delhi police believe the ring had obtained some 175 Schengen visas through a Delhi High Commission over the last six to seven months alone, Indian media reported. The High Commission involved was not named. When contacted, a spokesman for the Foreign Affairs Ministry said the government had not been contacted by Indian authorities about this case.

Malta's High Commissioner to India, Wilfred Kenely, could not be reached at the time of writing.