A major visa scandal is unfolding involving a network of individuals from various sectors, including a prominent travel and tour company, well-known media personalities, and both current and former government officials.
Sources indicate that the syndicate allegedly facilitated the acquisition of travel documents for unqualified applicants, using forged documents, falsified invitations, and misrepresented purposes of travel to secure visas to Europe and North America.
The operation, which is believed to have run for several years, reportedly charged huge sums from clients in exchange for guaranteed approvals.
Investigations by security agencies have so far uncovered links between the travel company’s executives and influential figures in the media and political circles, some of whom allegedly used their positions to expedite the processing of the fraudulent applications.
Several individuals are already in custody assisting with investigations, while others are being sought for questioning.
Authorities say more arrests are expected as the probe widens, with calls mounting from civil society groups for full disclosure and prosecution of all those implicated, regardless of their status.