Ludhiana Siblings Face 19th FIR in Elaborate Immigration Fraud Scheme
The notorious Malhotra sibling duo, Amit Malhotra and his sister Veenu Malhotra, have been booked in their 19th First Information Report (FIR) related to immigration fraud. This latest case involves allegations of defrauding a resident on the pretext of sending his son abroad for settlement.
Details of the Latest Fraud Case
The FIR was registered following a complaint by Naginder Singh of Lalton Kalan, Ludhiana. His son, Amandeep Singh, sought to settle in England and approached the accused at their office, Global Way Immigration, located near Shastri Nagar in the Model Town area. The siblings, along with their employee Karun Kumar, allegedly accepted Rs7.69 lakh with the promise of securing a visa. However, they failed to deliver on their commitment and retained the money without providing any services.
The registration of this case came after a lengthy procedural delay. While Naginder Singh filed his initial complaint on October 30, 2024, the police officially registered the FIR following an inquiry that spanned over a year. Sub-inspector Soop Lal from the Model Town Police Station confirmed that the accused have been charged under Sections 420 (cheating) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code, in addition to relevant sections of the Immigration Act.
History of Public Outcry and Previous Investigations
This incident is not isolated, as the Malhotra siblings have a documented history of fraudulent activities that have sparked significant public outrage. On August 12, 2024, a couple from Sangrur climbed a water tank near Ishmeet Chowk to protest being duped of ₹10 lakh by the same firm. Their demonstration was joined by several other victims who had suffered similar financial losses.
Subsequent investigations by the district administration led to the cancellation of Global Way Immigration's licence, highlighting the severity of the allegations. Police probes have revealed a calculated pattern in their operations. Initially, the firm successfully arranged visas for some clients to build a reputable image. However, once established, they allegedly began embezzling entire sums from unsuspecting clients. In many instances, they failed to even submit visa applications after receiving substantial payments, leaving victims in financial and emotional distress.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Legal Proceedings
The case underscores the challenges faced by individuals seeking immigration assistance and the need for stricter regulatory oversight in this sector. With this being their 19th FIR, the Malhotra siblings' repeated involvement in such scams points to a persistent issue that authorities are working to address through legal channels.
As the investigation continues, victims and the public await further developments, hoping for justice and preventive measures to curb similar frauds in the future. The police are urging other potential victims to come forward and report any suspicious activities related to immigration services.
