India-born Swapnil Tejale Busted for Fake Alien Resident Card

BUFFALO, N.Y. – In a grim turn of events, 34-year-old Indian national Swapnil Ramesh Tejale has been snared by the U.S. Attorney’s office for possession of a forged alien resident card, a charge that could see him spending up to a decade behind bars and facing a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith revealed details of the case, explaining that on July 10, 2025, Tejale came under scrutiny during a traffic stop in Niagara Falls when he presented the fictitious Lawful Permanent Resident Card. Upon further questioning and investigations, it was uncovered that Tejale had no lawful immigration documents to remain in the United States.

Adding to his woes, agents found a Social Security Card in his name, which also turned out to be fake. The Niagara Falls Border Patrol Station, under the direction of Patrol Agent in Charge Brady Waikal, led the probe that resulted in Tejale’s arrest.

This case is a stark reminder of Operation Take Back America, a Justice Department initiative aimed at tackling illegal immigration, dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and safeguarding local communities from violent crime.

For his fraudulent actions, Tejale now faces the prospect of spending the next ten years in prison, along with a significant financial penalty.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office has not released details on future court dates for Tejale, but this case is expected to send shockwaves through the community and reinforce the government’s stance against immigration fraud.