Punjab: In a major crackdown against fraudulent immigration operations, the Mohali Police have unearthed an illegal immigration racket worth over ₹1.15 crore within just 24 hours. The police have registered 11 FIRs against unlicensed travel and immigration agents accused of cheating people under the guise of sending them abroad.
The drive was initiated under the leadership of SSP Harmandeep Singh Hans, supervised by DSP (Investigation) Jatinder Singh Chauhan, and executed by Inspector Jaskamal Singh Sekhon, who heads the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit.
Massive Crackdown Across Mohali
According to SSP Hans, the police acted after receiving numerous complaints against travel and immigration agencies operating without authorization. “We had a meeting a day before and decided to act on all pending complaints in one go. FIRs were registered against the accused agents and institutions within a single day,” he said.
The crackdown revealed several institutions in Mohali running unauthorized immigration consultancy and IELTS/PTE training centers without valid licenses. Many of these entities were found duping citizens and students who aspired to settle or study abroad.
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Agencies Under Scanner
Some of the key agencies named in the investigation include:
- Nexus Academy, VIP Road, Zirakpur (IELTS/PTE)
- Best Travel Agency, Mohali
- Royal Gateway of Migration, SCO 17, Phase-1, Mohali
- SCF 1, Phase-5, Mohali
- SCO 523–524, Mohali
Police have booked these firms under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) — including 316(2), 318(4), and 61(2) — as well as Section 24 of the Immigration Act, for cheating and illegal operation.
Police Appeal for Caution
SSP Hans emphasized the department’s commitment to protect citizens from such scams. He urged people to verify the credentials of immigration agents before engaging with them.
“We appeal to citizens to avoid unauthorized agents and to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or on the Cyber Helpline Number 1930,” he said.
The police have assured strict legal action against all those found guilty of operating unlicensed immigration centers in the district.
Rising Concern Over Fraudulent Immigration Practices
The case adds to the growing list of immigration-related scams in Punjab, where thousands fall prey to fake overseas job and study offers each year. The Mohali police’s swift action highlights the need for stronger regulation and public awareness to curb such exploitation of youth aspiring for opportunities abroad.
