Interpol's Silver Notice Targets Schengen Visa Fraud in India
Former French Embassy officer accused of multi-million dollar visa scam involving illicit Schengen visa issuance and asset laundering.
published at: 29. Mai 2025
Interpol's Silver Notice Targets Schengen Visa Fraud in India
The International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) has issued its first Silver Notice at India's request to track assets linked to a major Schengen visa fraud case. The notice targets former French Embassy officer Shubham Shokeen, accused of orchestrating a multi-crore visa scam.
What is a Silver Notice?
Introduced in January 2023, Interpol's Silver Notice is a new tool specifically designed to track illicit assets globally. This pilot project currently involves 51 member countries, including India.
Key facts about Interpol notices:
- Red Notice: For detaining fugitives
- Blue Notice: For seeking additional information
- Black Notice: For unidentified bodies
- Yellow Notice: For missing persons
- Silver Notice: New category for tracking criminal assets
The Schengen Visa Fraud Case
According to India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Shokeen allegedly:
- Conspired to issue fraudulent Schengen visas between 2019-2022
- Collected illegal payments ranging from ₹15-45 lakh per visa
- Used proceeds to acquire properties worth ₹157 crore in Dubai
The CBI had previously issued a Blue Notice to locate Shokeen before upgrading to the asset-tracking Silver Notice.
Impact on Schengen Visa Security
This case highlights vulnerabilities in the Schengen visa system that criminals have exploited. The Silver Notice mechanism allows countries to:
- Track laundered assets across borders
- Share information about criminal financial networks
- Facilitate international asset recovery
India has submitted additional Silver Notice requests for cases being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate and Narcotics Control Bureau.
What This Means for Travelers
While this case involves criminal activity, legitimate travelers should:
- Always obtain visas through official channels
- Be wary of agents promising guaranteed Schengen visas
- Verify all documentation with embassy officials
The Interpol pilot project will continue through November 2023, with each participating country allowed nine Silver Notice requests during this phase.