Ahmedabad Family Loses Rs 23 Lakh in Elaborate Visa Fraud
A family from Ahmedabad has fallen victim to a distressing scam, losing a substantial sum of money to individuals who promised them work visas for Australia. The incident has left the family in financial turmoil and raised concerns about fraudulent visa operations in the city.
Police Complaint Details the Alleged Fraud
Rajendra Patel, a forty-four-year-old electrician residing in Gota, filed a formal complaint with the Anandnagar police on Saturday. Patel reported that he and his family members were cheated of approximately twenty-three lakh rupees by four accused persons.
The accused individuals have been identified as Vijay Dave and his son Arjun from Sola, Jay Brahmbhatt from Ghatlodia, and Vachika Salat from Paldi. Patel stated that he first encountered this group in October 2024 while working at Sola Civil Hospital.
How the Scam Unfolded
The accused presented themselves as professional visa consultants operating under the name "Aseema Overseas." They claimed to have an office located near Shyamal Crossroads in Ahmedabad. They offered to arrange three-year Australian work permits for Patel, his wife Hemali, and their seventeen-year-old daughter.
The initial quoted price for these visas was a staggering eighty-three lakh rupees. The consultants assured the family that the visas would include an auto-renewal feature, making the offer seem particularly attractive.
Patel was informed that the visa processing would be completed in Bangkok. Following this instruction, the family made multiple trips to Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur between November and December 2024.
Escalating Demands and Financial Losses
During these trips, the accused demanded additional payments from the Patel family. Patel paid various amounts, including four and a half lakh rupees in cash, foreign currency, and travel expenses. The consultants repeatedly extended the timelines for visa completion, creating a sense of uncertainty.
The situation worsened when the accused withheld the family's passports in Kuala Lumpur. To retrieve their essential travel documents, the Patel family was forced to pay an additional eight lakh rupees.
Discovery of the Fraud
After returning to Ahmedabad, the accused finally provided the family with what they claimed were the completed visas and air tickets. However, upon closer inspection, Patel discovered that the Australian visitor visas were counterfeit. The documents were fake, and the promised work permits never materialized.
The total financial loss suffered by the Patel family amounts to twenty-three lakh rupees. This sum represents their hard-earned savings, spent on false promises and international travel under false pretenses.
Police Investigation Underway
The Anandnagar police have registered the complaint and initiated an investigation into the matter. Authorities are examining the details provided by Patel to identify and locate the accused individuals. The case highlights the risks associated with unauthorized visa consultants and the importance of verifying credentials before making substantial payments.
This incident serves as a cautionary tale for other families seeking opportunities abroad. It underscores the need for thorough due diligence when engaging with immigration service providers.
