Ahmedabad Crime Branch Files Case in US H-1B Visa Forgery Scam
The Ahmedabad city crime branch has taken decisive action by registering a formal case against a local resident and an unidentified accomplice. The individuals are accused of employing forged educational certificates in a brazen attempt to secure a coveted US H-1B visa, according to police statements released on Tuesday.
Official Complaint and Investigation Details
The legal proceedings were initiated following a detailed complaint filed by Inspector J K Makwana with the Detection of Crime Branch (DCB) police. The case stems from a specific visa-related reference that the DCB received through an official communication dated May 29, 2025, as clearly mentioned in the First Information Report (FIR).
Fraudulent Visa Application Uncovered
According to the FIR, the primary accused, identified as Jay Patel, a resident of Amco Society in the Ghatlodia area of Ahmedabad, submitted an online application for a US H-1B visa on April 7, 2025. As part of this critical application process, Patel reportedly provided a copy of his valid Indian passport along with two degree certificates and eight semester-wise marksheets. These academic documents were purportedly issued by the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management (RGITM).
Interview Revelations and Suspect Involvement
During his subsequent interview at the US Consulate General in Hyderabad, Patel made a startling admission. He reportedly informed officials that the degree certificates and marksheets submitted under his name were actually supplied to him by a woman known only as "Dhruti". The full identity and precise address of this individual remain unknown and are currently under active investigation by authorities.
Verification Exposes Document Forgery
In a crucial development, the DCB conducted thorough verification with RGITM, Delhi, which revealed disturbing findings. The certificates and marksheets submitted by Patel were determined to be prima facie forged and completely fake, as confirmed by police officials. This verification process exposed the fraudulent nature of the academic credentials presented for the visa application.
Criminal Conspiracy and Legal Charges
Police investigators have stated that Patel and the unidentified woman acted in concert, meticulously preparing the forged academic documents at an unknown time before the April 7, 2025 application date. The operation was allegedly conducted from the Ghatlodia locality in Ahmedabad. These counterfeit documents were then deliberately used as genuine to deceive immigration authorities and improperly facilitate the visa acquisition process.
Based on these comprehensive findings, the DCB has officially booked Jay Patel and his unidentified accomplice under the stringent provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The charges include serious offenses such as:
- Forgery of valuable documents
- Cheating through fraudulent means
- Criminal conspiracy to commit illegal acts
This case highlights the ongoing challenges authorities face in combating document fraud in international visa processes and serves as a stern warning against such illicit activities.