Ugandan Authorities Crack Down on Passport Forgery Syndicate in Kampala
The Ministry of Internal Affairs has initiated a comprehensive investigation into a sophisticated cartel operating in Kampala, accused of illegally distributing approximately 22,000 Ugandan passports to criminals abroad.
The syndicate is believed to be centered around Nkrumah and Dewinton roads, areas notorious for document forgery activities.
Simon Mundeyi, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting that such fraudulent activities not only compromise national security but also tarnish Uganda's international reputation. He emphasized the ministry's commitment to dismantling these networks and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
In a related development, a recent operation by the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control led to the arrest of eight individuals involved in forging immigration documents.
The suspects, including two women and six men, were apprehended on Nkrumah Road. They were found in possession of counterfeit passports from countries such as Benin, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda. Additionally, a variety of forged immigration facility stamps, special pass stamps, visitor passes, passport forms, bank receipts, and verification stamps were recovered during the raid.
Mundeyi expressed concern over the increasing sophistication of these forgery operations, noting that many of the counterfeit documents are of high quality, making them difficult to detect. He urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to passport processing.
The ministry has also raised concerns about the involvement of middlemen in the passport application process. These intermediaries often mislead applicants, resulting in errors on application forms and delays in passport issuance.
Applicants are advised to handle their applications personally and avoid engaging unauthorized agents. This crackdown comes amid broader concerns about the misuse of Ugandan passports internationally.
Reports have emerged of individuals using illegally obtained Ugandan passports for illicit activities abroad, leading to increased scrutiny of Ugandan travelers.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs has reiterated its commitment to enhancing the security features of Ugandan passports and ensuring that only eligible individuals are issued these vital travel documents.
As investigations continue, the ministry has pledged to intensify its efforts to identify and apprehend all individuals involved in these illegal activities, ensuring the integrity of Uganda's travel documents and the safety of its citizens.
Credits: URN
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