Forged document interceptions surge at BIA, 181 cases in 2023

Colombo, August 3 (Daily Mirror) - There has been a significant increase in the number of intercepted forged documents at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) over the past five years, with 181 forged documents intercepted in 2023 alone, the Immigration and Emigration Department said.

While releasing the 2023 Annual Report of the Border Enforcement Unit of the Immigration and Immigration Department, it said that 62 intercepted forged documents cases were reported in 2022.

A ceremony to release the 2023 annual report was held yesterday (02) at the Waters Edge premises in Battaramulla with the participation of high government officials and foreign ambassadors including the Public Security Ministry Secretary and Controller General of the Immigration and Emigration Department.

Accordingly, the report includes 110 counterfeit cases, 25 biodata page substitutions, 13 impersonations, 11 face substitutions, 11 fraudulently obtained passports, 4 fantasy documents, 4 document alterations, 2 counterfeit Sri Lankan affidavits, 1 stolen Sri Lankan affidavit, and 1 stolen blank document. These incidents cover a wide range of document and identity frauds.

The unit will keep collecting information on individuals and victims involved in transnational organized crime and will share this information, including details on human trafficking, with law enforcement agencies.