The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, has commended immigration officials for intercepting nine Bangladeshi nationals who attempted to enter South Africa using fraudulent travel documents at OR Tambo International Airport.
The group was stopped on Thursday morning during routine immigration processing after BMA officials detected irregularities in the documents they presented.
Preliminary investigations revealed that all nine travellers were carrying fraudulent South African visas allegedly issued by the South African High Commission in New Delhi, India.
According to the BMA, three women were travelling on Bangladeshi passports, while six men initially presented fraudulent Indian passports. Following further questioning and verification procedures, the six men produced Bangladeshi passports.
Masiapato said the incident highlights the growing sophistication of transnational document fraud syndicates and the importance of strong border security measures.
“The detection of these fraudulent visas and passports is a testament to the vigilance, expertise and commitment of BMA officials who continue to safeguard the integrity of South Africa’s borders,” he said.
All nine individuals were refused entry into South Africa in line with the Immigration Act and border management regulations. Arrangements were subsequently made for their return to Bangladesh.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the BMA’s commitment to combating document fraud, human smuggling and other forms of transnational organised crime that threaten national security.
Investigations are continuing to determine the source of the fraudulent visas and passports and whether the individuals are linked to broader international criminal syndicates.
The BMA said it remains committed to facilitating legitimate travel while ensuring compliance with South Africa’s immigration laws and border management requirements.
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