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Couple held for duping carpenter of ₹4.5 lakh on pretext of job in Canada

The complainant further alleged that after receiving the money, the couple kept delaying his travel plans, claiming that his visa would arrive within 10 days

The accused allegedly lured the victim, Amzad, with the promise of sending him to Canada to work at a relative’s farmhouse at a cost of <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>4.5 lakh. (iStock)

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Published on May 04, 2025 08:46 AM IST

ByHT Correspondent, Panchkula

Ludhiana: Councillor facing charges of immigration fraud gets bail

According to Singh, the police were continuously conducting raids for his arrest; the police raided his house the night before the elections for the president of the municipal council; fearing his arrest, he did not participate in the election process on February 19

The court while granting the bail mentioned that the court do not find any requirement for the custodial interrogation of the petitioner. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

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Published on Mar 28, 2025 05:32 AM IST

ByTarsem Singh Deogan, Ludhiana

17 lose ₹2.42 crore to US visa fraud by Chandigarh firm

According to the FIR, Manpreet Singh Khurana, of Sector 35-A, posing as a member of the Dashmesh Seva Society, allegedly lured people with promises of R1 visas, a category for religious workers seeking US entry

Sector 36 police have begun an investigation into the fraudulent visa operation. (iStock)

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Published on Mar 08, 2025 10:26 AM IST

ByHT Correspondent, Chandigarh

Canada ‘working to stop misinformation’ related to study permits, asylum system: Miller

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada stressed that using the asylum system was “not a way to fast-track” immigration to Canada and that such claimants are “subject to rigorous screening”

Marc Miller, Canada's immigration minister, speaks during a news conference in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Bloomberg)

world news

Published on Mar 04, 2025 11:14 AM IST

ByAnirudh Bhattacharyya

Ludhiana: 3 booked for immigration fraud in two cases

Ludhiana police said the cases come as the accused allegedly charged money from people by promising to arrange visas but failed to do so or return the money

Ludhiana police said cheating cases registered after inquiries. (Representational image)

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Published on Feb 28, 2025 11:52 PM IST

ByHT Correspondent, Ludhiana

Two Ambala agents booked on deported Mohali youth’s plaint

The duo, including a woman, is already facing FIRs for trying to send another Mohali youth to the US illegally though the donkey route in July last year

With the new case filed at Majri police station, the number of FIRs registered in Punjab against travel agents, for illegally sending Indians abroad, have gone up to 11. (iStock)

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Published on Feb 19, 2025 08:32 AM IST

ByNikhil Sharma, Mohali

Ludhiana: 5-member panel to crack whip on unregistered travel agents

The committee will inspect IELTS coaching centres, travel agencies, ticketing agents, general sales agents and immigration consultancies across the district

The city has several immigration offices and only a few of them are registered with the district administration. (HT Photo)

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Published on Feb 10, 2025 05:18 AM IST

BySukhpreet Singh, Ludhiana

Mohali ASI gets case property transferred in aide’s name; booked

The accused, ASI Jasvir Singh, had impounded a Mahindra Scorpio, bearing registration number CH-01-BD-2592, from Gurpreet Singh, the owner of an immigration firm in Phase-11, who was arrested on June 27, 2023, for allegedly duping a Patiala resident of ₹16 lakh on the pretext of sending him Canada.

The ASI, who was the investigating officer in the case, got the vehicle transferred in his aide, Renu alias Renuka’s name, using forged documents. (HT File)

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Updated on Jan 23, 2025 09:18 AM IST

ByNikhil Sharma, Mohali

Ludhiana: Another FIR against travel agent for fraud

Complainant Lefty Chirstian of Nakodar said he was interested to settle abroad; he came to know about the accused through an advertisement; when contacted, the accused asked him to come to the office of Global Way Immigration near Ishmeet Chowk in Model Town, Ludhiana, to fulfil some formalities, he stated

On August 12, Hardeep Singh of Dhuri of Sangrur and his wife Amandeep Kaur had climbed atop a water tank near Ishmeet Chowk, Ludhiana, accusing the same firm of duping them of <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>10 lakh. (HT Photo)

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Updated on Jan 06, 2025 05:54 AM IST

ByHT Correspondent, Ludhiana

Mohali: Immigration firm owner among six held for visa fraud

The accused’s firm, Rudraksh Group Overseas Solutions, Phase 1, was also named in a statewide immigration fraud list recently released by Punjab Police

A team led by inspector Sukhbir Singh, SHO, Phase-1 police station, arrested the six accused from multiple locations in Mohali. (HT)

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Published on Dec 06, 2024 07:42 PM IST

ByHT Correspondent, Mohali

Ludhiana: Facing 100 immigration fraud cases, travel agent booked for abduction bid

Nitish Ghai, previously booked in over 100 immigration fraud cases in 2018-2019, had reportedly struck compromises with several complainants; in November, the ED, Jalandhar zone, filed a prosecution complaint under the PMLA against Ghai, escalating his legal challenges

Nitish Ghai, a resident of Victoria Enclave, Ayali Khurd, Ludhiana, was initially arrested by the Ludhiana police in July 2018. He is currently out on bail. (Getty image)

cities

Updated on Dec 05, 2024 06:22 AM IST

ByHT Correspondent, Ludhiana

Ludhiana: Another FIR against travel agent Ghai after ED complaint

Ludhiana’s Division Number 5 station-house officer (SHO) inspector Balwant Singh said the fresh FIR was registered under sections 61(2) (criminal conspiracy), 318(4) (cheating and dishonestly induces a person to deliver property) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and sections 10 and 24 of the Immigration Act

According to the ED, Ghai allegedly duped multiple people with false promises of overseas opportunities and used the proceeds to acquire nine properties in Ludhiana, three residential and six commercial buildings. (HT Photo)

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Published on Oct 27, 2024 10:34 PM IST

ByHT Correspondent, Ludhiana

Act firmly in immigration fraud cases: Haryana DGP

Haryana DGP held a video conference with senior police officers, including inspectors general, police commissioners and superintendents of police, to discuss measures for controlling violent crimes and further strengthening the capacity of Haryana Police

DGP Kapur directed superintendents of police to personally monitor cases of immigration fraud, focusing on visa scams. (HT File)

cities

Updated on Oct 15, 2024 09:12 AM IST

ByHT Correspondent, Chandigarh

Ludhiana police register another FIR against travel agent Kapoor

The notorious travel agent, who is already facing atleast 11 FIRs for duping people on the pretext of sending them abroad, the police lodged another FIR against the accused on Tuesday.

cities

Updated on Sep 25, 2024 10:05 PM IST

ByHT Correspondent

Ludhiana: Racket issuing fake education, work proofs for US visas busted

Ludhiana police have filed charges against seven for a racket supplying fake degrees and bank statements to US visa applicants, following a US Embassy complaint.

Red Leaf Immigration and Overseas Partner Education Consultants named in complaint. (Gurminder Singh/HT)

cities

Updated on Sep 18, 2024 07:50 AM IST

ByHT Correspondent, Ludhiana

Immigration frauds of over ₹26 lakh come to fore in Chandigarh

Despite paying the amount and waiting for almost two years, Kamalpreet said the consultancy failed to keep its promise; when she demanded a refund, the consultancy refused to return the money, dismissing her claims

In the second case, a resident of Yamuna Nagar was defrauded of <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>9.80 lakh on the pretext of securing a spouse visa for Australia. (iStock)

cities

Updated on Sep 08, 2024 07:58 AM IST

ByHT Correspondent, Chandigarh

Chandigarh police bust immigration fraud ring promising work visas

The scam came to light when Ganeshmal, a resident of Rajasthan, filed a complaint against “Global Consultant”, a visa consultancy at SCO Number 292, Sector 32-D, Chandigarh

According to police, the accused used various deceptive tactics to lure victims, posting attractive advertisements on social media platforms, promising work visas to various foreign countries. (Shutterstock)

cities

Updated on Sep 08, 2024 07:54 AM IST

ByHT Correspondent, Chandigarh

Ludhiana: Brother-sister duo arrested for immigration fraud

The accused have been identified as Veenu Malhotra, 38, of Phase 1 Dugri, Ludhiana, and Amit Malhotra, 39, who run an immigration firm, Global way Immigration, near Ishmeet Chowk in Model Town

The accused brother-sister duo in the police custody in Ludhiana on Friday. (HT Photo)

cities

Updated on Sep 07, 2024 06:36 AM IST

ByHT Correspondent, Ludhiana

Chandigarh Police arrest key suspect in ₹1.6-cr immigration fraud

Ravinder, the proprietor of BB Council, an immigration consultancy that operated from Sector 17, Chandigarh, was arrested while driving a white Mahindra Scorpio

The accused, Ravinder Singh Brar, a 26-year-old Mohali resident, was apprehended following a tip-off. (HT Photo)

cities

Updated on Aug 17, 2024 09:58 AM IST

ByHT Correspondent, Chandigarh

Chandigarh residents lost ₹16 crore to immigration frauds in first half of 2024

The figure is more than double the total amount lost to such scams in the entire 2023, which stood at ₹7.7 crore, highlighting the growing menace of immigration fraud in Chandigarh

In 2024, 42 firms in Chandigarh were identified as being involved in immigration fraud, with the majority located in Sectors 8, 17, 34, and 40. (HT Photo)

cities

Updated on Jul 08, 2024 08:00 AM IST

ByNaina Mishra, Chandigarh

Seven lose ₹65 lakh in immigration frauds in Chandigarh

One of the complainants was cheated ₹31.8 lakh by a Chnadiagrh-based firm on the pretext of facilitating his brother’s immigration

Seven people lodged police complaints after falling prey to immigration frauds. (HT File)

cities

Updated on Jun 23, 2024 05:28 AM IST

ByHT Correspondent, Chandigarh

Chandigarh: Duo hoping to travel abroad duped of ₹16 lakh

In the first case, the victim, Jitendra Kumar, a resident of Uttarakhand, alleged that Vikas Sharma, the owner of Immigration Solution, located in Sector 17-C, along with his associates, defrauded him of ₹9.2 lakh

The second case was registered on the complaint of Devender Kumar, a resident of Panipat. (HT File Photo)

cities

Updated on Jun 09, 2024 07:48 AM IST

ByHT Correspondent, Chandigarh

Chandigarh: Immigration fraud accused let off for ‘snack & beer’ break, ASI held

Responsible for producing the accused, Devinder Singh Gill, in court, ASI Jasbir Singh allowed him to leave for lunch along with another person

As soon as the matter came to light, Chandigarh SSP Kanwardeep Kaur immediately ordered registration of an FIR and arrest of the accused ASI. (Getty Images)

cities

Updated on May 01, 2024 08:08 AM IST

ByHT Correspondent, Chandigarh

VB nabs Mohali ASI for taking ₹25k bribe

The accused was identified as ASI Jasbir Singh deployed at Phase-11 police station. He was arrested following the complaint of Himanshu of Mohali who alleged that the ASI sought ₹50,000 from him for not pursuing multiple immigration fraud complaints against Gurinder Singh Bath, who runs an immigration company here.

The Vigilance Bureau (VB) on Friday arrested an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) deployed with the Mohali Police for allegedly accepting <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>25,000 for not registering immigration fraud cases against a local resident. (HT File)

cities

Updated on Apr 28, 2024 08:12 AM IST

ByNikhil Sharma, Mohali

Six booked in ₹35 lakh immigration fraud

The accused have been identified as Raj Kumar, Charanjeet, Ali Khwaja, Satnam, Baljeet Kaur and Abbas Rashid, all agents

‘TORTURED, DRUGGED’: Mukesh (left) and Sunny returned to their home in Karnal from Russia on March 28. The duo wanted to go to Germany but were allegedly sent to Moscow. (ANI)

cities

Updated on Mar 31, 2024 06:56 AM IST

ByBhavey Nagpal, Karnal

Haryana to enact law to regulate immigration agents: Home minister Anil Vij

Haryana Registration and Regulation of the Travel Agencies Bill — will help control travel agents who fraudulently promise to send people abroad

Home minister Anil Vij said Haryana to enact law to regulate immigration agents. (HT File)

cities

Updated on Dec 15, 2023 08:42 AM IST

ByHT Correspondent, Chandigarh

Gang links of some students with fake papers worry Canada

The investigation into the use of fraudulent documents to procure study permits for Canada was precipitated by Canadian law enforcement being increasingly concerned that some who ostensibly came for higher studies were involved in gang activity

cities

Updated on Aug 10, 2023 01:01 AM IST

ByAnirudh Bhattacharyya

Immigration frauds: Ambala SIT recovers ₹1.93 crore in four months

IG Kabiraj said the said recovery was made between April 17 and July 21 during which a total of 220 accused were arrested with the registration of 331 criminal cases

As per the arrest break-up, maximum 102 accused were held in Ambala, followed by 37 in Kurukshetra, 31 in Karnal and rest in others districts.

cities

Updated on Jul 22, 2023 01:28 AM IST

ByBhavey Nagpal, Ambala

Crackdown: SIT nabs 22 for immigration fraud in 30 days in Haryana

Haryana's immigration fraud helpline has received over 220 calls a month after its launch. A special investigation team has been formed to probe cases.

The helpline was started on April 21, a week after home minister Anil Vij ordered the formation of the SIT on April 13 that also includes Ambala SP Jashandeep Singh Randhawa and Kaithal SP Abhishek Jorwal.

cities

Updated on May 25, 2023 12:30 AM IST

ByBhavey Nagpal, Ambala

UK gurdwara issues scam warning after Indians duped with fake job offers

The Sri Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara in Gravesend posted a copy of the scam advertisement with the words “Scam Alert” on its website and social media platforms, warning its promise of “Ticket Free, Visa Free, Food Free Job Alert” was fake

A gurdwara in the south-east England county of Kent has posted a scam alert warning on its website after it discovered that fraudsters had been impersonating the Sikh temple with fake job and visa offers for Indians. (Image for representational purpose)

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Updated on Apr 18, 2023 01:03 AM IST

ByPress Trust of India, London

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Latest from immigration fraud

The complainant further alleged that after receiving the money, the couple kept delaying his travel plans, claiming that his visa would arrive within 10 days

According to Singh, the police were continuously conducting raids for his arrest; the police raided his house the night before the elections for the president of the municipal council; fearing his arrest, he did not participate in the election process on February 19

According to the FIR, Manpreet Singh Khurana, of Sector 35-A, posing as a member of the Dashmesh Seva Society, allegedly lured people with promises of R1 visas, a category for religious workers seeking US entry

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada stressed that using the asylum system was “not a way to fast-track” immigration to Canada and that such claimants are “subject to rigorous screening”

Ludhiana police said the cases come as the accused allegedly charged money from people by promising to arrange visas but failed to do so or return the money

The duo, including a woman, is already facing FIRs for trying to send another Mohali youth to the US illegally though the donkey route in July last year

The committee will inspect IELTS coaching centres, travel agencies, ticketing agents, general sales agents and immigration consultancies across the district

The accused’s firm, Rudraksh Group Overseas Solutions, Phase 1, was also named in a statewide immigration fraud list recently released by Punjab Police

Nitish Ghai, previously booked in over 100 immigration fraud cases in 2018-2019, had reportedly struck compromises with several complainants; in November, the ED, Jalandhar zone, filed a prosecution complaint under the PMLA against Ghai, escalating his legal challenges

Haryana DGP held a video conference with senior police officers, including inspectors general, police commissioners and superintendents of police, to discuss measures for controlling violent crimes and further strengthening the capacity of Haryana Police

The notorious travel agent, who is already facing atleast 11 FIRs for duping people on the pretext of sending them abroad, the police lodged another FIR against the accused on Tuesday.

Ludhiana police have filed charges against seven for a racket supplying fake degrees and bank statements to US visa applicants, following a US Embassy complaint.

Despite paying the amount and waiting for almost two years, Kamalpreet said the consultancy failed to keep its promise; when she demanded a refund, the consultancy refused to return the money, dismissing her claims

The scam came to light when Ganeshmal, a resident of Rajasthan, filed a complaint against “Global Consultant”, a visa consultancy at SCO Number 292, Sector 32-D, Chandigarh

The accused have been identified as Veenu Malhotra, 38, of Phase 1 Dugri, Ludhiana, and Amit Malhotra, 39, who run an immigration firm, Global way Immigration, near Ishmeet Chowk in Model Town

Ravinder, the proprietor of BB Council, an immigration consultancy that operated from Sector 17, Chandigarh, was arrested while driving a white Mahindra Scorpio

The figure is more than double the total amount lost to such scams in the entire 2023, which stood at ₹7.7 crore, highlighting the growing menace of immigration fraud in Chandigarh

One of the complainants was cheated ₹31.8 lakh by a Chnadiagrh-based firm on the pretext of facilitating his brother’s immigration

In the first case, the victim, Jitendra Kumar, a resident of Uttarakhand, alleged that Vikas Sharma, the owner of Immigration Solution, located in Sector 17-C, along with his associates, defrauded him of ₹9.2 lakh

Responsible for producing the accused, Devinder Singh Gill, in court, ASI Jasbir Singh allowed him to leave for lunch along with another person

The accused have been identified as Raj Kumar, Charanjeet, Ali Khwaja, Satnam, Baljeet Kaur and Abbas Rashid, all agents

Haryana Registration and Regulation of the Travel Agencies Bill — will help control travel agents who fraudulently promise to send people abroad

The investigation into the use of fraudulent documents to procure study permits for Canada was precipitated by Canadian law enforcement being increasingly concerned that some who ostensibly came for higher studies were involved in gang activity

IG Kabiraj said the said recovery was made between April 17 and July 21 during which a total of 220 accused were arrested with the registration of 331 criminal cases

Haryana's immigration fraud helpline has received over 220 calls a month after its launch. A special investigation team has been formed to probe cases.

The Sri Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara in Gravesend posted a copy of the scam advertisement with the words “Scam Alert” on its website and social media platforms, warning its promise of “Ticket Free, Visa Free, Food Free Job Alert” was fake

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