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In a significant crackdown, a Special Task Force (STF) dismantled an organized gang operating out of Lucknow, responsible for generating fraudulent birth, death, and Covid vaccine certificates. The breakthrough came with the arrest of the gang’s mastermind, Shahil, in Ghaziabad, followed by the apprehension of three gang members at the Barabirwa Nahariya Crossing in Lucknow.
Details of the Operation
The arrested gang members, identified as Mohammad Arman, Sahim Ansari, and Mohammad Afzal, confessed to their involvement during interrogation. They disclosed that they had acquired a franchise for producing fake certificates, including those for births, deaths, and Covid vaccinations, through a counterfeit website and software obtained from Mohammad Sahil in Ghaziabad.
Seized Items
The STF confiscated valuable evidence from the gang members, including three laptops, five mobile phones, one Aadhar Card, one PAN card, 15 forged documents, and ₹1.25 lakh in cash.
Scope of the Operation
The gang, led by Sahil, distributed a staggering 436 franchises across India, enabling the unauthorized exploitation of various government schemes and insurance claims. The illicit operation involved the creation of counterfeit birth certificates, death certificates, and fake Aadhaar cards.
Investigation and Impact
Vishal Vikram, Additional SP, STF, stated that the ongoing investigation is focused on determining the extent of the misuse of these forged certificates. The gang was well aware that Sahil, the franchise provider, operated as a fraudster, employing a deceptive website closely resembling legitimate ones to deceive the public.
The police are actively probing the government departments where these fake certificates were utilized, shedding light on the potential implications for various sectors. The arrests serve as a crucial step in curbing the illicit production and utilization of counterfeit certificates, safeguarding the integrity of official documents and public trust in government systems.
