Synopsis
In Gujarat, two suspects have been arrested for allegedly defrauding a youth of Rs 19.80 lakh by promising a UK work visa. As visa fraud cases rise, authorities are intensifying investigations to protect citizens from scams.Key Takeaways
- Two individuals arrested in Porbandar for visa fraud.
- Victim promised a UK work visa without an interview.
- Fraudsters collected Rs 19.80 lakh and failed to deliver.
- Increasing cases of visa fraud reported in Gujarat.
- Authorities taking legal action against scammers.
Porbandar, Feb 5 (NationPress) Two individuals in Gujarat’s Jamnagar district, along with their accomplices, reportedly swindled a young man from Vachhoda village, Porbandar taluka, out of Rs 19.80 lakh by falsely promising him a work visa for the UK.
An official stated that after a thorough police investigation, the two perpetrators have been apprehended, and legal proceedings are currently in progress.
He mentioned that incidents of visa fraud are on the rise, with scammers enticing unaware citizens with deceptive assurances of overseas job opportunities.
In this situation, the victim was promised a UK work visa without an interview for Rs 26.50 lakh, but was deceived after paying an initial amount of Rs 19.80 lakh.
Porbandar Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Sahitya V. has launched a detailed investigation following the reception of the initial complaint.
Based on the inquiry's findings, a case was registered at Kamalbagh Police Station, resulting in prompt action against the suspects. The victim, Sunil Sarmanbhai Gorania, filed a complaint against Mayur Rameshbhai Barmela and Shyamal Ranchhodbhai Patel from Jamnagar, along with their unidentified partners.
The complaint indicated that the accused persuaded Sunil that he could obtain a job in the UK’s construction industry for a minimal fee and without any interview procedure.
After collecting Rs 19.80 lakh, they falsely arranged an "interview" at the UK Home Office. However, no visa was issued, and Sunil was later informed that his application had been cancelled. When he requested a refund, the accused threatened him with violence. After a complaint of cheating and breach of trust, Kamalbagh Police Sub-Inspector A.B. Desai took over the investigation, leading to the capture of the two main culprits.
Further investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend additional individuals involved in this scam. Visa fraud incidents in Gujarat have surged in recent years, with a staggering 113 percent increase in reported cases over the last three years. Between the financial years 2020-21 and 2022-23, authorities logged 139 complaints related to visa scams, resulting in the arrest of 114 individuals.
The total financial loss reported amounted to approximately Rs 74.15 lakh, of which Rs 41.14 lakh has been recovered.
In another instance, a businessman from Vastral in Ahmedabad accused two visa consultants of defrauding him and his associates of Rs 41.50 lakh under the pretense of securing U.S. visas.
The consultants had solicited funds from several individuals, promising quick visa appointments and approvals, but ultimately failed to deliver. Legal proceedings have been initiated against the perpetrators.
Another case involved four visa agents in Gandhinagar who allegedly cheated 23 individuals out of more than Rs 8 crore by promising overseas job opportunities.
