Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has arrested fresh five suspects over visa scam.

This fresh arrest has increased the number of suspects in its custody to 13.

A statement by the ICPC spokesperson, Folu Olamiti, said the suspects were arrested over the weekend at different locations.

They are Alimi Sunday, Amos Enabulele, Samuel Oboiako, Azeez Abiodun and Philomena Nwanorue.

“They were either caught using forged public documents such as bank statements and letters from government agencies or for aiding and abetting the production of same to procure visas at the Indian High Commission.

“The latest arrests effected last weekend involved five suspects, three of who were involved in the production of fake documents to satisfy visa requirements, while the fourth  was in possession of suspicious travel documents,” the statement said.

According to the commission, the fifth suspect, a lady, was arrested for allegedly  colluding  with someone in India to procure a fake invitation letter from an Indian Hospital, adding that the commission was awaiting confirmation from the hospital to clear her.

The ICPC said its operatives had cordoned off the business centre used for the production of these documents, conducted a search and impounded computers and printers for thorough forensic analysis.

The ICPC expressed worry about the increasing number of petitions received from patients seeking medical attention abroad after being duped by some freelance agents.

The commission said it was probing the links between some public servants and money laundering/transfers under the guise of seeking medical attention abroad.

The anti-graft agency had last week issued a “Visa Scam Press Advisory” warning intending travellers of the consequences of patronising dubious travel agents and touts to obtain visas through corrupt practices.

They were advised to use verifiable documents and only deal with official and recognised agencies.

The commission stated that it had received assurances from the Indian High Commission that genuine requests for medical, business and educational purposes would continue to receive prompt attention.

-Punch