Domestic Worker in Gujarat Defrauded of Rs 16.4 Lakh in Elaborate Visa Scam
A 29-year-old domestic help from Gandhinagar has become the victim of a sophisticated fraud scheme, losing a staggering sum of Rs 16.40 lakh to a father-son duo who falsely promised to arrange an Australian visa for him. The incident, which unfolded over nearly two years, culminated in a formal complaint being lodged with the Mansa police on Thursday, sparking an investigation into the alleged cheating and breach of trust.
Details of the Deception
According to the police complaint, the complainant, who currently resides in Mansa and works as a domestic help and daily wager, was first approached by the alleged visa agents from Chandkheda in Ahmedabad approximately two years ago. Intrigued by their claims of successful overseas placements, he visited their office in Chandkheda to express his interest in migrating to Australia for better work opportunities. The accused, a father and his son, confidently assured him that they had facilitated numerous individuals in moving abroad and could do the same for him.
Nearly a year after the initial contact, the duo reached out to the complainant, instructing him to initiate the visa process. He complied, visiting their residence in Chandkheda with his passport and original documents in hand. The agents presented him with a total package cost of Rs 31.23 lakh for arranging the Australian visa, demanding an initial payment of Rs 25,000 to kickstart the proceedings. The complainant transferred this amount via UPI, trusting in their assurances.
Escalating Demands and False Promises
A month later, the accused sent a copy of what appeared to be a tourist visa to the complainant's mobile phone, further convincing him that the process was on track. Bolstered by this apparent progress, they then requested a substantial transfer of Rs 14.15 lakh through RTGS to a specified bank account, followed by an additional demand for Rs 2 lakh in cash to book flight tickets. The complainant, eager to secure his future abroad, complied with these escalating financial requests.
However, suspicions arose when the complainant attempted to verify the visa and ticket details online, discovering glaring discrepancies that raised red flags. Upon confronting the accused about these inconsistencies, they allegedly began avoiding him and later outright refused to refund any of the money, leaving him financially devastated and his dreams of migration shattered.
Police Action and Investigation
In response to the complaint, Mansa police have registered a case under relevant sections for cheating and breach of trust. Authorities are now actively investigating the matter, aiming to uncover the full extent of the fraud and bring the perpetrators to justice. This incident highlights the vulnerabilities faced by individuals seeking overseas opportunities and underscores the importance of verifying the credentials of visa consultants thoroughly.
The case serves as a stark reminder to always conduct due diligence when dealing with immigration services, especially when large sums of money are involved. Victims of such scams are encouraged to report immediately to prevent further losses and aid in cracking down on fraudulent activities.
