The Japanese authorities have deported 22 people from Pakistan who had attempted to enter the country by posing as members of a football team. The group, which travelled from Sialkot airport, presented documents that appeared to be genuine at first glance but were later found to be forged during inspection in Japan.
India to Honour Top CISOs from Police, Law Enforcement, and Defence Forces
Forged Team Identity Exposed
Investigations revealed that the group had travelled under the banner of a so-called football club called “Golden Football Trial.” The team was allegedly assembled by Malik Waqas, who is now named as the prime accused in the case. According to Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), each member of the group had paid large sums of money to be included in the fake football squad, with the promise of reaching Japan under the guise of sports activity.
Japanese immigration authorities quickly grew suspicious after checking the authenticity of the documents, which included fake passports and sporting credentials. Once confirmed as fraudulent, the entire group was deported back to Pakistan with a warning.
FIA Steps In With Probe
The FIA has registered a case against Malik Waqas and others involved in organising the fake football team. Investigators are now looking into the network behind the scheme, including how the individuals were recruited, the money trail, and whether similar fraudulent operations have been attempted in the past. Officials suspect that this incident may be linked to human trafficking, where sports identities are used as a cover to bypass immigration checks.
Warning Against Fraudulent Travel Schemes
The case has highlighted the risks of falling for illegal overseas travel schemes that exploit people’s desire to work or settle abroad. Authorities have urged citizens to be cautious of offers that promise international travel through unconventional means, warning that such attempts not only lead to deportation but also carry serious legal consequences. The incident has embarrassed both sporting bodies and immigration authorities, raising questions about how fraudulent documents were cleared at the departure point.
With investigations ongoing, officials in Pakistan are under pressure to tighten checks at airports and prevent further misuse of sports or cultural platforms for illegal migration.