Surat Accountant Defrauded of Rs 5 Lakh in Elaborate Norway Visa Scam
In a distressing case of immigration fraud, a young accountant from Surat has allegedly been cheated out of Rs 5 lakh by an Ahmedabad-based visa consultancy firm. The victim, Dixit Dhameliya, aged 21, fell prey to a sophisticated scam promising a Norway work permit that later proved to be entirely fabricated.
Instagram Reel Lures Victim into Trap
The ordeal began when Dhameliya, who works for a textile company in Surat, came across an enticing Instagram reel posted by Bright-Way Immigration. The Ahmedabad firm advertised Norway visas and work permits, sparking his interest. Following an initial inquiry, Dhameliya, accompanied by his friends Het Kumbani and Neel Domaniya, visited the firm's office located near Shyamal Crossroads on May 13.
At the office, a woman identified as Pearl provided a detailed briefing. She outlined a two-part payment structure: an initial registration fee of Rs 1 lakh, with an additional Rs 4 lakh to be paid upon arrangement of the visa and work permit. Convinced by the presentation, Dhameliya returned to Surat and initiated the payments.
Step-by-Step Financial Deception Unfolds
The financial transactions unfolded systematically, deepening the victim's entanglement:
- Dhameliya first transferred Rs 50,000 to the bank account of Dipak Upadhyay, the owner of Bright-Way Immigration.
- The following day, he sent another Rs 50,000, completing the initial Rs 1 lakh registration fee.
- On June 6, his brother-in-law, Paresh Jivani, transferred the remaining Rs 4 lakh to Upadhyay as requested.
Upon receiving the full payment, Upadhyay dispatched a Norway work permit letter to Dhameliya. However, this document was later discovered to be counterfeit, shattering the victim's hopes and exposing the fraudulent scheme.
Police Complaint Filed After Refund Demands Ignored
When Dhameliya confronted Upadhyay and demanded a refund, the firm owner allegedly responded with continuous delays and excuses. With no money returned and all communication turning futile, Dhameliya had no choice but to seek legal recourse.
He formally approached the Kapodra police station in Surat and lodged a detailed cheating complaint against Bright-Way Immigration and its proprietor, Dipak Upadhyay. The case highlights the risks associated with unauthorized immigration consultancies and the perils of online financial transactions for such services.
This incident serves as a stark warning to individuals seeking overseas opportunities to verify the credentials of consultancy firms thoroughly and rely only on government-authorized agencies. The Surat police are now investigating the matter to uncover the full extent of the fraud and bring the perpetrators to justice.
