Ahmedabad Visa Consultancy Accused of Defrauding Family in Major Canada Immigration Scam
A visa consultancy firm operating in Ahmedabad has been accused of orchestrating a sophisticated financial fraud, cheating a family from Borsad out of a staggering Rs 41 lakh. The case, which has sent shockwaves through the local community, revolves around false promises of securing Canada Permanent Residency (PR) for the victims.
Complaint Filed with Ellisbridge Police
A 36-year-old woman lodged a formal complaint with the Ellisbridge police on Saturday, detailing the harrowing ordeal. According to the complaint, the family initially approached the consultancy in March 2024 after being impressed by its prominent social media presence. The firm assured them that permanent residency in Canada could be arranged within a year, quoting a total expense of Rs 42 lakh.
Driven by hope for a better future abroad, the family made extreme financial sacrifices. They sold valuable assets and borrowed money from various sources to gather the required funds. The payments were made in phases, following the consultancy's specific instructions, which included transfers to multiple bank accounts and later through angadia channels.
Phased Payments and Escalating Demands
In April 2024, the family transferred advance payments as directed. Additional amounts were deposited a month later. However, the situation took a suspicious turn a few months later when the firm allegedly demanded more money to resolve an "experience letter issue." In December, further funds were transferred directly to the consultancy's office staff.
The demands did not stop there. The family was subsequently informed that a passport request letter was necessary, but it would only be printed after "Rs 25.8 lakh is sent in cash to Delhi via angadia." Fearing that the entire immigration process would halt, the family once again resorted to desperate measures, selling jewellery and borrowing from relatives and friends to meet this exorbitant demand.
The Shocking Revelation and Threats
After the cash was sent in March of this year, the family received documents that revealed a devastating truth. Instead of the promised permanent residency, they were granted only a three-year work permit for Canada. The complainant alleges that the consultancy took no further action to secure the PR and flatly refused to refund any of the money.
To add insult to injury, when the family demanded their money back, they were allegedly threatened. The consultancy warned that their immigration profile would be ruined if they persisted, leaving the victims in a state of fear and financial ruin.
This case highlights the vulnerabilities faced by individuals seeking immigration services and underscores the need for stringent verification of consultancy firms. The Ellisbridge police are now investigating the matter, aiming to bring the perpetrators to justice and recover the defrauded funds.
