Ahmedabad police have uncovered a significant visa fraud operation that allegedly cheated 25 individuals out of more than Rs 2 crore. The scam involved forged visa approval letters, fabricated flight tickets, and false promises of overseas employment in countries like Australia, Canada, and the United States.
How The Elaborate Visa Fraud Unfolded
The case was registered after a city-based immigration consultant approached the Detection of Crime Branch (DCB) on Friday. The complainant, who has been operating a visa consultancy from South Bopal since 2021, reported that an agent he had hired to process applications had cheated him and his clients.
The consultant typically handled applications for smaller agents across Gujarat on a commission basis, offering services for visitor visas, work permits, and long-term residency. In April 2024, he was introduced to an agent from Nadiad through intermediaries.
The Notarised Agreement and False Promises
After the agent successfully processed a few initial applications, the consultant entrusted him with visa work for 25 clients between March and May 2025. A notarised agreement outlined fees, timelines, and responsibilities in case of failure. Payments totalling Rs 2.02 crore were made via bank transfers, angadia services, and cash.
Instead of securing genuine visas, the accused agent allegedly sent clients forged documents via WhatsApp. These included:
- Fake visa grant letters
- Forged passport submission appointment slips
- Fabricated flight tickets
These documents were designed to create the illusion that the applications had been approved by authorities.
The Scam Exposed and Police Action
The fraud came to light when several clients were scheduled to travel. The agent failed to appear at Mumbai airport with the necessary genuine documents. Subsequent verification revealed that the visas and flight tickets were completely counterfeit.
Facing pressure from clients, the complainant claimed he refunded Rs 1.16 crore from his own funds to protect their interests, while assuring others their work would be completed. However, the accused agent allegedly stopped all communication, neither returning the remaining money nor completing any pending work.
Based on the complaint, the DCB has registered a case for cheating, criminal breach of trust, and forgery. Officials are now examining financial transactions, digital communications, and the forged documents to trace the money trail and identify other potential victims of this elaborate scam.
