UK Sting Operation Uncovers Indian-Origin Visa Fraud Ring
A recent undercover investigation by the Daily Mail has exposed two individuals of Indian origin operating illegal visa schemes in the United Kingdom. These individuals were caught selling British work visas for substantial sums of money, with offers extending to migrants who did not need to work at all.
Student Sells Visas on Facebook Marketplace
The investigation identified an Indian-origin female student in Britain who used Facebook Marketplace to advertise her services. She operated through a consultancy company and relied on forged documents to facilitate the transactions.
In a video recorded by a Mail reporter posing as an Indian film studies graduate, the woman detailed her offerings. She said she could provide a skilled worker visa starting at £12,000. She presented two clear options to the undercover agent.
"You have two choices," she explained. "With a job or without a job."
If the client opted for a visa with a job, the cost would range between £17,000 and £19,000. The "without job" option was cheaper but involved a specific arrangement. The employer would run the payroll and pay taxes to the UK government on the client's behalf.
However, the client would then have to return the salary in cash to the employer. Crucially, no actual work was required. The woman admitted she took a £1,000 commission from each transaction.
Global Talent Visa Offered for £32,000
The student also offered to arrange a Global Talent visa for a fee of £32,000. This type of visa is specifically designed for individuals with exceptional talent and can lead to indefinite leave to remain in the UK after three years.
She promised to fabricate the necessary credentials for applicants. "A company will create certificates for all your talents and create experience letters for you," she told the reporter, outlining a plan to manufacture a false profile of exceptional achievement.
Second Scheme Involves "Investment" for Visa
The Mail's investigation uncovered a second scheme run by another Person of Indian Origin (PIO) and his business partner. They advertised a "free" skilled worker visa valid for three or five years.
The catch was an upfront "investment" of £25,000 into their high-street fast-food outlets. They assured the undercover reporter that working was not a requirement for obtaining the visa through this method. This offer was also promoted on Facebook Marketplace.
When confronted by the Mail, the PIO and his partner denied any wrongdoing. They claimed their activities were legitimate.
Authorities and Meta Respond
A spokesperson for Meta, the parent company of Facebook, responded to the findings. "We do not allow fraudulent activity on our platforms," the spokesperson stated. "We have removed the content brought to our attention and taken action on the accounts for violating our policies."
The UK Home Office issued a strong statement regarding the illegal activity. A spokesperson emphasized the government's commitment to border security and reducing migration levels.
"We are investigating this illegal activity and it will not be tolerated," the spokesperson said. "We will stop at nothing to ensure our immigration rules are respected and enforced. Anyone found flouting the rules can expect the full force of the law to be used against them."
The sting operation highlights ongoing challenges with immigration fraud and the misuse of online platforms to facilitate illegal entry into the UK.
