New Delhi/Kolkata: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has carried out a major crackdown on an organised network involved in fake Indian identities, illegal documentation of foreign nationals and money laundering, taking decisive action against Pakistani national Azad Malik alias Ahmed Hussain alias Azad Hussain. Investigators say the accused illegally resided in India for years while posing as an Indian citizen, using the fabricated identity to facilitate serious financial and documentary crimes.
The probe was initiated on the basis of cases registered by the West Bengal Police. Preliminary findings indicate that the operation went far beyond forged papers, encompassing cross-border fund transfers, hawala-like mechanisms, passport fraud and violations of foreign exchange regulations.
Network Supplying Indian Identity to Bangladeshi Nationals
According to the ED, Azad Malik, with the help of close associates, built a structured network to provide Indian identity documents to illegal Bangladeshi migrants in exchange for money. A key role in the racket was played by Indubhushan Halder alias “Dalal”, who was arrested on October 13, 2025. Azad Malik himself was taken into custody earlier, on April 15, 2025. Both accused are currently in judicial custody.
Investigators found that forged caste certificates, residence proofs and other fabricated records were used to obtain Aadhaar cards, voter IDs and Indian passports, giving illegal migrants a façade of lawful citizenship.
Shocking Irregularities in Passport Applications
The ED’s investigation revealed widespread manipulation in passport applications processed through the network. In several cases, the Income Tax Returns (ITRs) and tax payment receipts attached to applications were identical, bearing no official seal or authentication from the Income Tax Department.
In some instances, siblings were shown with dates of birth differing by only three or seven months, a biological impossibility, clearly pointing to fabricated data. In another case, the same individual was reflected as an Indian citizen in one set of documents and a Bangladeshi national in another, underscoring deliberate falsification.
Officials estimate that around ₹50,000 was charged per passport application, with the syndicate facilitating nearly 300–400 applications.
Use of Hawala and Digital Payment Channels
The probe further uncovered that Azad Malik relied on hawala-style informal money transfer systems to move funds from India to Bangladesh. Collections were made in India through UPI and bank transfers, while corresponding amounts were disbursed in Bangladesh using platforms such as bKash.
Violations of Foreign Exchange Regulations
Serious violations were also detected in gold trading and money changer operations linked to the network. The ED found that certain licensed entities breached Reserve Bank of India (RBI) norms by buying and selling foreign currency without mandatory documentation. Investigators allege that Azad Malik, despite being a Pakistani national, was permitted to engage in foreign exchange transactions, constituting a grave regulatory breach.
Searches Yield Forged Documents and Digital Evidence
Multiple search operations were conducted at premises linked to Azad Malik and his associates, leading to the seizure of incriminating documents, forged identity papers, digital devices and detailed transaction records. The ED also found evidence that documents were fabricated in the names of individuals and institutions without their knowledge or consent.
Prosecution Under PMLA Already Filed
The ED has already filed a prosecution complaint under Sections 44 and 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against Azad Malik. The competent court took cognisance of the case on June 19, 2025.
Senior officials said the case exposes a serious threat to national security, the integrity of India’s citizenship framework and the financial system. The investigation is ongoing, and the agency has indicated that further arrests and attachment of assets are likely as the probe progresses.
