Panchkula: Police recover Rs 1.75 crore, gold in crackdown on fake immigration agents

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)