Panchkula Police Cracks Down on Organized Visa Fraud Rackets, Four Arrested
The Anti-Immigration Fraud Unit of the Panchkula Police has made significant breakthroughs by arresting four persons in two distinct visa fraud cases. These arrests have exposed sophisticated organized rackets that systematically deceived job aspirants with fraudulent promises of lucrative overseas employment opportunities. The cases specifically involve scams related to work visas for Luxembourg and New Zealand, highlighting a growing trend of immigration fraud targeting vulnerable individuals seeking better prospects abroad.
Luxembourg Work Visa Scam: Husband-Wife Duo Among Three Arrested
In the first case, police apprehended three accused, including a husband-wife duo, for allegedly cheating multiple people by offering fake Luxembourg work visas. Investigators revealed that the accused operated primarily through various online platforms, leveraging digital channels to reach potential victims. Additionally, they ran a counterfeit immigration centre in Chandigarh, where they posed as authorised foreign placement agents to lend credibility to their operations.
The scam came to light when a complainant from Himachal Pradesh, currently residing in Panchkula, contacted one of the accused via an online platform. He was summoned to Chandigarh on August 30, 2024, where he received assurances of securing a Luxembourg work visa and was pressured into paying an advance of Rs 1.55 lakh. Despite repeated follow-ups by the victim, neither was the visa processed nor was the substantial amount refunded, prompting legal action.
An FIR was registered at the Chandimandir police station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Immigration Act. The investigation, led by Inspector Yogvinder Singh, first resulted in the arrest of Bhateh Singh from Kangra district, with police recovering Rs 50,000 from him. He was subsequently remanded to judicial custody. Further police action led to the arrests of Anubhav Garg and his wife, Akanksha, who were granted two-day police custody. Authorities noted that the couple already had approximately 15 similar cases registered against them in Chandigarh, indicating a pattern of fraudulent activity.
New Zealand Work Visa Fraud: Habitual Offender Arrested in Separate Case
In a separate incident, the police arrested Mandeep Singh of Ludhiana for allegedly duping a Panchkula resident of Rs 9 lakh by promising a New Zealand work visa. The accused, identified as a habitual offender, has four previous fraud cases registered against him in Panchkula and Punjab. His modus operandi involved showing fake job letters and forged air tickets to victims, creating an illusion of legitimacy. He operated from an office in Sector 17-C, Chandigarh, further misleading job seekers with a physical presence.
Police Advisory: Verify Credentials to Avoid Immigration Fraud
Following these arrests, Panchkula Deputy Commissioner of Police Srishti Gupta issued a crucial advisory to citizens. She urged individuals to thoroughly verify the licence, registration, and credentials of immigration agents before engaging their services. Emphasizing caution, she recommended dealing only with government-authorised agencies to mitigate risks. Additionally, citizens were encouraged to report any suspicious activity related to immigration fraud directly to the Anti-Immigration Fraud Unit to help prevent such scams and protect others from falling victim.
These cases underscore the persistent threat of organized immigration fraud and the importance of vigilance among job seekers aspiring for overseas employment. The Panchkula Police's proactive measures aim to dismantle such rackets and safeguard citizens from financial and emotional exploitation.
