Panchkula | In a major breakthrough in the alleged ₹12.30 lakh ‘Dunki Route’ immigration fraud case, Haryana Police’s Anti-Emigration Fraud Unit has arrested the fourth and principal accused, Azad Singh, from Amritsar International Airport while he was allegedly attempting to flee to Malaysia. Police said the accused had been absconding for a long time, and a Look-Out Circular (LOC) had been issued against him on June 23, 2024.
Following his arrest, Azad Singh was brought to Panchkula and produced before a court, which granted the police a three-day remand. Investigators said the custody will be used to recover the defrauded money, identify other members of the network, and examine additional aspects of the case.
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The case was registered on March 7, 2024, at Raipur Rani Police Station in Panchkula on the complaint of a local resident. An FIR was lodged under Sections 406, 420 and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code, along with Section 24 of the Immigration Act.
According to the complainant, the accused promised to send him legally to the United States on a tourist visa. A deal worth ₹38 lakh was allegedly finalised, and the victim initially paid ₹12.30 lakh. However, instead of being sent to the United States, he was first taken to Dubai and later to Armenia. Throughout the process, the accused allegedly kept assuring him that he would soon be sent to America.
After realising that he had been deceived, the victim returned to India and lodged a complaint with the police. During the investigation, authorities concluded that the accused had fraudulently collected a substantial amount of money by making false promises of overseas immigration.
Police said three other accused—Baljinder, Vikas alias Vicky and Pankaj Chauhan—had already been arrested, and a chargesheet has been filed against them before the court. With the arrest of the main accused, investigators are now probing the entire network, tracing the money trail, and identifying any additional victims.
Investigating agencies believe the accused targeted people aspiring to settle abroad by offering fraudulent immigration services and extracting large sums of money. Police are also examining whether the syndicate has links with interstate or international human trafficking and illegal immigration networks. Bank accounts, financial transactions, travel documents and electronic evidence are being analysed as part of the ongoing investigation.
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said immigration fraudsters increasingly exploit social media, fake travel agencies and illegal migration networks to lure people with promises of easy and lawful overseas opportunities. He advised citizens to use only authorised agencies and government-recognised immigration consultants for employment, education or travel abroad. He further stressed that no large payment should be made without independently verifying all documents and credentials. According to him, any suspected immigration fraud should be reported immediately to the police and the appropriate enforcement agencies so that timely legal action can be initiated.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
