3 min readChandigarhJan 21, 2026 06:43 PM IST
First published on: Jan 21, 2026 at 06:43 PM IST
Written by Khushboo
The Panchkula police’s Anti-Immigration Fraud Unit has recovered cash worth Rs 1.75 crore and around 850 grams of gold jewellery while cracking down on alleged organised gangs cheating youth in the name of sending them abroad by falsely claiming “government approval”.
The special unit, constituted on November 29, 2024, carried out sustained action against immigration fraud rackets between December 2024 and December 2025, leading to the arrest of accused persons in 56 cases, police records show.
According to the police, a total of 301 complaints related to immigration fraud were received during this period. Of these, 282 complaints have been resolved, while investigations are ongoing in the remaining cases. As part of the crackdown, 56 cases were registered, charge-sheets have been filed in 15 cases, 34 cases are under investigation, and further inquiry is underway in 22 cases.
Police said the fraudsters operated in a highly organised and professional manner, using social media platforms, WhatsApp, fake websites, and temporary or rented offices to lure victims. The accused allegedly prepared forged documents that closely resembled genuine ones, including fake visas with barcodes and stamps, forged emails sent in the name of embassies, and bogus job offer letters from foreign companies. These documents often contained detailed salary structures, joining dates, and job locations, making them appear authentic.
Investigations revealed that unemployment, financial pressure, and the desire to go abroad quickly were exploited by the fraudsters to trap young people and their families. Police noted that fear of social stigma and intimidation often prevented victims from approaching the authorities, allowing fraud networks to expand.
Monthly data showed consistent arrests and recoveries throughout the year, with significant recoveries recorded in June 2025 and November 2025, indicating the large-scale and organised nature of the operations. During this period, more than Rs 3 crore was returned to complainants, while over the past two years, more than Rs 11 crore of defrauded money has been held and utilised to provide relief to victims.
Police said overall improvement was seen in cyber and immigration fraud cases in 2025. While the number of reported cases declined, stricter enforcement resulted in a higher number of arrests.
DCP Srishti Gupta appealed to citizens to not fall prey to unauthorised agents or fake firms claiming to facilitate overseas travel. She advised people to verify government registration, licences, and documents before dealing with any immigration agent and urged them to immediately inform the police about suspicious activities.
Police further said that in 2026, the focus would be on technology-driven monitoring, heightened vigilance, and public awareness. Measures will include digital tracking of fake agents, swift verification of suspicious visa files, and regular awareness campaigns to educate citizens about fraud indicators and legal procedures, so that aspirations of going abroad do not turn into financial loss and deception.
(The author is an intern with The Indian Express)
The special unit, constituted on November 29, 2024, carried out sustained action against immigration fraud rackets between December 2024 and December 2025. (File photo) 
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