Dreams of moving abroad for work or study have turned into nightmares for hundreds in Chandigarh, with police data uncovering a sprawling web of immigration fraud over the last five years. Official statistics reveal a staggering 433 cases of cheating registered between 2021 and 2025, involving a colossal sum of approximately Rs 74 crore. The scale of the scam is further highlighted by the identification of 232 fraudulent immigration firms operating in the city, preying on the aspirations of the youth.
A Five-Year Surge in Fraud and Financial Loss
The year-wise breakdown of cases paints a worrying picture of exponential growth. From just 11 cases in 2021, the number skyrocketed to 194 in 2024 before slightly declining to 130 in 2025. However, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kanwardeep Kaur cautioned that these figures represent only reported incidents. Many victims delay filing complaints, clinging to the false hope that their agents will eventually deliver on their promises.
The financial trail is even more alarming. The alleged amount involved in these scams jumped from around Rs 1 crore in 2021 to a peak of Rs 27.10 crore in 2024, with Rs 23.63 crore reported in 2025. This indicates that while the number of frauds dipped slightly in 2025, the individual sums swindled from victims became larger. Police action intensified in parallel, with arrests climbing from 12 in 2021 to 122 in 2024.
Modus Operandi: False Promises and Vanishing Acts
Investigations have exposed a consistent pattern used by these unscrupulous agents. They typically target young aspirants seeking opportunities in countries like Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe. The bait includes guarantees of visas, foreign job placements, or admissions to overseas institutions.
The process follows a predictable cycle: After collecting hefty fees—often between Rs 15-30 lakh—in cash or via bank transfers, agents show forged offer letters or incomplete documentation. They then string victims along with endless delays, blaming embassies or paperwork. Ultimately, the offices shut down overnight, phones are switched off, and the accused vanish without a trace.
"They showed us success stories and documents that looked genuine, and said the visa was guaranteed. By the time we realised it was a fraud, the office had been shut," said Saurabh Sharma, a complainant who paid over Rs 3 lakh for a work visa. Another victim, Rahul, recounted how an agent in Sector 17 used repeated excuses like embassy delays to buy time until all communication ceased.
Crackdown and Verification Drive Launched
In response to this epidemic of fraud, the UT Police have initiated a major verification drive to identify and crack down on unlicensed immigration agents operating in Chandigarh. SSP Kaur stated that registration details, office addresses, financial transactions, and past complaints are being rigorously scrutinised.
The police estimate that while 441 immigration companies are legally registered, over 200 firms are operating illegally without mandatory permission from the UT Administration. Many of these fraudulent offices were found in prominent commercial hubs like Sectors 17, 22, 34, and 40, using their prime locations to create a false aura of legitimacy.
The trend continues into 2026, with an FIR already registered on January 1 against an agent who allegedly cheated a complainant of Rs 18 lakh. The police urge the public to exercise extreme caution, verify the credentials of agents through official channels, and report suspicious promises of guaranteed visas immediately to prevent further financial and emotional devastation.
