Ahmedabad Man Loses Rs 12 Lakh in Alleged Finland Work Visa Scam
A 35-year-old private company employee from Ranip, Ahmedabad, has filed a complaint with the Vadaj police, claiming he was defrauded of Rs 12 lakh by an immigration consultant who promised to secure a Finland work visa and job placement. The accused operated from an office in Usmanpura, according to police reports.
Details of the Alleged Fraud
The complainant, who has worked in the HR and administration department of a private firm for six years, aspired to move to Europe on a work permit in 2024. He was introduced to the immigration consultant by a colleague in July 2024. During a meeting, the consultant allegedly boasted of arranging 10 to 15 European work permit visas monthly and assured employment in top European countries.
Trusting these assurances, the man submitted original documents, including his passport, Aadhaar card, PAN card, educational certificates, birth certificate, and work experience papers. He also provided a signed blank cheque as security, as demanded by the consultant.
False Promises and Financial Transactions
In September 2024, the consultant showed him an offer letter for a hotel receptionist position in Finland and later claimed his visa was approved, sharing a photo of a purported Finnish residence permit card via WhatsApp. Convinced by these representations, the complainant transferred Rs 12 lakh in multiple online transactions in November to bank accounts provided by the accused.
He was sent screenshots of a website entry and an air ticket, with his departure scheduled for December 25, 2024, presented as final.
Discovery of the Scam and Police Action
Doubts arose when the complainant contacted Finnish authorities via email and received a response indicating that the residence permit card and related documents can strongly be doubted. Upon confronting the consultant, the accused allegedly avoided him, failing to arrange valid travel documents or refund the money.
Although his original documents were later returned by courier, the Rs 12 lakh remains unpaid. Police have registered a case and are conducting further investigations into the matter.
Key Points of the Job Trap
- The consultant, based in Usmanpura, promised a Finland job and visa, citing regular European placements.
- The complainant submitted his passport, Aadhaar, PAN, and a signed cheque.
- A fake offer letter and residence permit card were shared online.
- Rs 12 lakh was transferred online after the consultant confirmed a December departure date.
- Finnish authorities doubted the permit documents, prompting the police complaint.
