In a significant crackdown on immigration fraud, the Panchkula police have successfully dismantled a racket that cheated individuals with false promises of overseas employment. The operation led to the arrest of two key accused, including the alleged mastermind, in a scam amounting to Rs 15 lakh for a promised work visa to New Zealand.
The Fraudulent Scheme Unravels
The case came to light after a resident of Panchkula filed a complaint. He alleged that between May and June 2024, the accused took a hefty sum of Rs 15 lakh from him with the guarantee of securing a New Zealand work visa and employment for his son. When the promised visa failed to materialize, the accused dodged all attempts to get the money refunded.
Following the complaint, an FIR was registered on May 27, 2025, under sections pertaining to cheating, criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, and relevant clauses of the Immigration Act. Deputy Commissioner of Police Srishti Gupta confirmed that the investigation was promptly handed over to the specialized anti-immigration fraud unit.
Arrests and Inter-State Links Exposed
The police's first breakthrough came with the arrest of Neeraj from Ambala on September 10. During his police remand, crucial information surfaced, revealing that the fraud money was ultimately transferred to Shailendra Kumar, alias Shail, identified as the primary conspirator. Despite multiple raids, Shailendra managed to evade capture initially.
After persistent efforts, a team led by Inspector Yogvinder Singh tracked down and arrested Shailendra in Kanpur on December 9. He was subsequently remanded to five days of police custody. Notably, his bail plea had been previously rejected by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Investigations revealed that Shailendra operated an unlicensed firm named "The Man Power" in Noida for five years, allegedly duping numerous people with bogus overseas job assurances.
The probe further uncovered the racket's wide network, with links stretching from Noida to West Bengal. This led to the arrest of a second accused, Saddam Hussain Ansari, in West Bengal on December 12. Ansari's bank account was used to route a portion of the fraudulent money. He was remanded to seven days in police custody, and a significant recovery of Rs 5 lakh in cash was made from him.
Ongoing Investigation and Recovery
With Shailendra now in judicial custody, the police have indicated that the investigation is far from over. More suspects have been identified during the course of the probe, and further arrests are likely. The recovery of Rs 5 lakh marks a partial success in retrieving the victims' lost funds.
This case highlights the sophisticated nature of immigration fraud rings that prey on the aspirations of Indians seeking work abroad. The Panchkula police's inter-state operation demonstrates a committed effort to tackle such organized crime. Authorities urge the public to exercise extreme caution and verify the credentials of any consultancy offering overseas job placements.
