VISA SCAM ARRESTS: 13 IN ICPC CUSTODY

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has continued its war to improve the local business climate and transnational transactions by eliminating corruption-prone processes.

Currently, ICPC in its drive to flush out visa scam fraudsters in the country, has arrested 13 suspects in Lagos over a two-week period.

Those  picked up at different locations were either caught using forged public documents like bank statements and letters from government agencies or for aiding and abetting the production of same to procure visas at the Indian High Commission.

The latest arrests effected last weekend involved five suspects, three of who were involved in the production of fake documents to satisfy visa requirements, while a fourth  was in possession of suspicious travel documents. The fifth suspect, a lady, was arrested for allegedly  colluding  with someone in India to procure a fake invitation letter from an Indian Hospital.

The five suspects are: Alimi Sunday, Amos Edema Enabulele, Samuel Oboiako, Azeez Mujeeb Abiodun and Philomena Nwanorue.

Operatives of ICPC cordoned off the business centre used for the production of these documents, conducted a search and impounded computers and printers for thorough forensic analysis.

The fifth suspect, Philomena Nwanorue pleaded for the release of her travelling documents to enable her go for a follow-up treatment in an Indian Hospital. The Commission is awaiting confirmation from the hospital to clear her.

ICPC is worried by the increasing number of petitions received from patients seeking medical attention abroad after being duped by some freelance Agents.

The Commission is further probing the links between some public servants and money laundering/transfers under the guise of seeking medical attention abroad.

It will be recalled that last week ICPC had issued a “Visa Scam Press Advisory” warning intending travellers of the consequences of patronising dubious Travel Agents and touts to obtain visas through corrupt practices. They were advised to use verifiable documents and only deal with official and recognised Agencies.

The Indian High Commission has assured ICPC that genuine requests for medical, business and educational purposes would continue to receive prompt attention.