Indian police have busted a racket operating out of the New Delhi airport that was sending natives of Punjab to Canada on fake visas and passports.

Among those arrested were the chief security officer of an international airline and other staff posted at the international airport, including a private travel agent.

They were charging 18 lakh Rupees (about C$48,000) for each illegal migrant and working with travel agents in Punjab and New Delhi.

The investigation began on Sept 5, when a special team of immigration officials descended on the airport and arrested one person, Jaskaran Singh, who was allegedly trying to go to Canada on a fake visa and passport that was originally issued in the name of Karandeep Sandhu.

Indian media reported that Singh under interrogation revealed that he had paid Rs 18 lakh Rupees to get clearance from an immigration official. He disclosed the names of the other accused.

Indian police said corrupt immigration officials at the airport were working with airline security officers to help illegal Canada-bound passengers board planes.

They were providing fake visas and boarding cards and arranged for their clients to fly out of the country when they were on duty at the airport.