The Goa Crime Branch has arrested a 41-year-old Philippine national and his aide for allegedly obtaining an Indian passport using forged documents and false information, officials said on Wednesday.
A case (Crime No. 01/2026) has been registered at the Crime Branch Police Station against Federico Pinapin Moreno, following a complaint lodged by the Regional Passport Office (RPO), Panaji. The accused was arrested on January 7, 2026.
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According to police, Moreno fraudulently secured an Indian passport from the Goa Passport Office by assuming the identity of Ms Erica Achumi and submitting forged documents. Investigations revealed that he was working as a hair stylist at a salon in Porvorim, Goa, while illegally staying in the state without a valid visa or permission from competent authorities.
During interrogation, Moreno disclosed the involvement of Vinit Bandiwdekar, who allegedly assisted him in procuring an Aadhaar card and other supporting documents required for obtaining the passport. Bandiwdekar was also arrested on January 7, 2026.
The accused have been booked under multiple provisions of law, including cheating and forgery under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, violations of the Foreigners Act, 1946, Foreigners Order, 1948, and provisions of the Passport Act, 1967, along with related rules governing entry into India.
Police said further investigation is underway to collect additional evidence and to ascertain the involvement of other individuals in the racket.
