In a swift crackdown, Mohali police have registered 11 FIRs within 24 hours, exposing an immigration fraud worth over ₹1.15 crore. Unlicensed agents and agencies were found deceiving individuals with false promises of overseas opportunities.
Overview
In a significant operation, the Mohali police have registered 11 First Information Reports (FIRs) within a span of 24 hours, uncovering an immigration fraud exceeding ₹1.15 crore. The operation targeted unauthorized immigration agents and agencies operating without valid licenses, deceiving individuals with false promises of overseas employment and study opportunities.
The crackdown was led by Inspector Jaskamal Singh Sekhon, head of the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, under the supervision of DSP Jatinder Singh Chauhan. The initiative was prompted by numerous citizen complaints regarding fraudulent immigration practices.
Details of the Fraudulent Activities
The accused individuals and agencies were found to be operating without the necessary licenses, violating the provisions of the BNS and Immigration Act. They lured victims, including students and job seekers, with promises of quick overseas placements in exchange for hefty fees. Once the payments were made, the victims were either provided with forged documents or were left stranded without any assistance.
Among the agencies identified in the scam were Nexus Academy (VIP Road, Zirakpur), Best Travel Agency, and Royal Gateway of Migration, with offices located at SCO 17, Phase-1, and SCF 1, Phase-5, Mohali. These entities were found to be operating without valid licenses, deceiving citizens under the pretext of overseas placement and study opportunities.
Legal Actions Taken
The accused have been booked under sections 316(2), 318(4), and 61(2) of the BNS, along with Section 24 of the Immigration Act. These sections pertain to cheating, fraud, and operating without a valid license. The police have urged residents to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or the Cyber Helpline (1930).
SSP Harmandeep Singh Hans emphasized the police’s commitment to eliminating such scams and protecting citizens from fraudulent immigration practices. He urged residents to use only licensed immigration services and to report suspicious activities promptly.
Public Awareness and Precautions
In light of the recent crackdown, the police have issued guidelines to help the public identify and avoid falling victim to such scams:
- Verify Credentials: Always check the credentials of immigration agents and agencies. Ensure they are registered with the appropriate authorities.
- Avoid Upfront Payments: Be cautious of agents requesting large sums of money upfront. Legitimate agencies typically have transparent fee structures.
- Beware of Promises: Be wary of promises of guaranteed overseas placements or visas. Such assurances are often red flags.
- Report Suspicious Activities: If you encounter suspicious immigration practices, report them immediately to the police or the Cyber Helpline.
The police also plan to conduct awareness campaigns in schools, colleges, and local communities to educate the public about the risks of unauthorized immigration services and the importance of using licensed agents.
Conclusion
The swift action taken by the Mohali police underscores their commitment to combating immigration fraud and protecting citizens from exploitation. The registration of 11 FIRs within 24 hours highlights the scale of the issue and the urgency with which it is being addressed. Residents are urged to exercise caution and ensure they engage only with licensed immigration services to avoid falling victim to such scams.
FAQs
What prompted the recent crackdown in Mohali?
The crackdown was initiated following numerous citizen complaints about fraudulent immigration practices by unauthorized agents and agencies.
Which agencies were involved in the scam?
Agencies such as Nexus Academy, Best Travel Agency, and Royal Gateway of Migration were identified in the scam.
What legal actions have been taken against the accused?
The accused have been booked under sections 316(2), 318(4), and 61(2) of the BNS, along with Section 24 of the Immigration Act, for cheating, fraud, and operating without a valid license.
How can the public protect themselves from such scams?
The public is advised to verify the credentials of immigration agents, avoid upfront payments, be cautious of unrealistic promises, and report suspicious activities to the authorities.
