Scheme of irregular passport stamps discovered at the Ressano Garcia border

The National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC) has arrested another citizen suspected of involvement in a scheme involving the irregular use of passports at the Ressano Garcia border crossing in Maputo province.

The individual is alleged to be linked to corruption, facilitating illegal immigration, and criminal association. At the time of his arrest, 28 passports of different nationalities were found in his possession, some of which had entry and exit stamps, even though the respective holders had not physically passed through the border crossing.

Of the total documents seized, nine are Mozambican passports, 15 belong to Tanzanian citizens, two are Zimbabwean, and two are Zambian.

According to authorities, the arrests are the result of investigations seeking to clarify the irregular movement of people across the border, with particular attention to individuals allegedly linked to kidnapping cases.

In his testimony to the authorities, the suspect reportedly revealed that he received the passports from an individual who identified himself as South African and that he had the collaboration of an employee of the National Migration Service to carry out the scheme.

The detainee also stated that he had no connection whatsoever with the three immigration officials who were arrested last week, also on suspicion of involvement in irregularities related to passport issuance.

The suspect will be presented to the Public Prosecutor's Office for legal proceedings. Meanwhile, SERNIC continues to investigate the case, attempting to identify other possible members of the network and determine the extent of its activities.

Authorities say they have also reinforced surveillance at the Ressano Garcia border crossing, with the aim of hindering the irregular movement of people and documents and preventing new illegal practices at that crossing point.