An Indian national, Swapnil Ramesh Tejale, has been arrested in the United States for carrying a fake Green Card, also known as a forged ‘alien resident card.’ If found guilty, he could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, (Rs 2.08 crore), news agency ANI reported quoting the US Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York.
Who is Swapnil Ramesh Tejale?
Swapnil Ramesh Tejale is a 34-year old Indian national arrested in the US for the charges of carrying forged Green Card and not having valid immigration documents.
The case began on July 10, 2025, when Niagara Falls Police stopped a vehicle and called the US Border Patrol for help identifying three people in the car. When agents arrived and questioned the individuals about their citizenship, Tejale showed a Green Card. However, he soon admitted that it was fake.
Not only Green Card, Tejale did not have any valid immigration documents. He was taken into custody. During a further search, officers also found a Social Security Card in his name, which turned out to be fake as well, according to ANI.
Investigation underway
The investigation was handled by the US Border Patrol at Niagara Falls Station, led by Patrol Agent in Charge Brady Waikal. Assistant US Attorney Michael J. Smith is handling the legal proceedings, as per the agency.
The US government is working diligently on an effort called Operation Take Back America, which aims to stop illegal immigration, break down drug cartels and international crime groups and keep communities safe. The arrest of Tejale is also a part of this.
In a separate case, another Indian national living in Santa Rosa, California, was sentenced to six months in jail earlier this year. He was convicted of conspiring to bring undocumented immigrants into the country for profit. That case was investigated by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol.