An Indian-origin woman residing in the United Kingdom stands accused of orchestrating a significant illegal visa scheme, selling UK work visas to migrants for prices starting as low as £12,000. The operation, which allegedly used fake jobs and forged documents, was uncovered by an undercover investigation that revealed a burgeoning black market operating openly on social media platforms like Facebook Marketplace.
The Undercover Investigation and Modus Operandi
Komal Shinde, who runs Krishiv Consultancy Ltd, is at the centre of the allegations. According to a report by the Daily Mail, Shinde's consultancy is not officially registered or legally authorised to provide immigration services. The investigation found that unregulated fixers are actively advertising visa services on Facebook, promising high approval rates while charging migrants tens of thousands of pounds.
In a covert meeting with reporters, Shinde, who claimed to be in the UK on a student visa herself, detailed her services. She allegedly offered skilled worker visas for positions in restaurants, care homes, and warehouses across the country. The prices quoted ranged from £12,000 to £19,000, depending on whether the applicant wanted a visa tied to a job or not.
"Without job it will cost you £12,000, £13,000 or £14,000," Shinde reportedly said, engaging in bargaining. She clarified the price difference: "If you go with job then it will cost £17,000, £18,000 or £19,000." In many instances, migrants were told they would not need to actually work. Employers would transfer a monthly salary into their bank accounts, only for the money to be immediately returned in cash, creating a sham payroll cycle designed to deceive the UK Home Office.
High-Value Visas and Denials
Shinde's alleged services extended beyond standard work visas. She also offered to arrange Global Talent visas, intended for individuals with exceptional ability in fields like science and technology, for a staggering fee of up to £30,000. She claimed that certificates and experience letters would be created for applicants, stating, "all of it is genuine."
She boasted about a high success rate, claiming that "7 to 8" previous applications had been approved, and offered coaching for Home Office interviews, even suggesting ways to avoid them. Shinde admitted to taking a £1,000 cut for arranging the visas, with the remainder going to the sponsoring employers, and emphasised the need for discretion.
However, when confronted, Komal Shinde denied all allegations. She stated, "I'm not fixing anything. I'm just giving the contact to the person who's selling. That's it."
Official Response and Fallout
The UK Home Office has confirmed it has launched a formal investigation into the matter. A spokesperson warned that those involved in such illegal activities would face the "full force of the law." Meanwhile, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, stated that it had removed content linked to the investigation and taken action against accounts found to be violating its policies.
This case highlights the vulnerabilities in the immigration system and the audacious methods employed by illicit operators exploiting migrants' aspirations. It underscores the critical need for vigilance from both authorities and potential applicants seeking to live and work in the UK through legitimate channels.
