BMA Blocks Nine Travellers Using Fake Passports at OR Tambo

BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato praised the officials for their vigilance and expertise, noting that the incident highlights the growing sophistication of international document fraud syndicates.

The Border Management Authority (BMA) intercepted nine Bangladeshi nationals attempting to enter South Africa using fraudulent travel documents and Indian passports at OR Tambo International Airport. The irregularities were detected during immigration processing, leading officials to uncover that the travellers possessed fake South African visas supposedly issued by the South African High Commission in New Delhi, India. Three of the travellers were women holding Bangladeshi passports, while six men initially presented forged Indian passports but later revealed their Bangladeshi passports upon further verification.

Combating Sophisticated Transnational Crime

BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato praised the officials for their vigilance and expertise, noting that the incident highlights the growing sophistication of international document fraud syndicates. "Criminal networks are constantly devising new methods to bypass immigration controls, but our officials remain alert and equipped to detect fraudulent documents and prevent unlawful entry into the country," he said. All nine individuals were refused entry under the Immigration Act and border management protocols, with arrangements made to return them to Bangladesh.

Strengthening Border Security and Intelligence

The BMA continues to focus on combating document fraud, human smuggling, and other forms of organised crime that threaten national security and the integrity of South Africa's borders. Dr Masiapato emphasized that investigations are ongoing to trace the source of the fraudulent visas and passports and assess links to broader criminal networks. The authority remains committed to facilitating legitimate travel while ensuring all travellers comply with South Africa's immigration laws, reinforcing that the country's ports of entry are protected by a capable and vigilant border control system.

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