New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a prosecution complaint (chargesheet) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against an alleged organised immigration and visa fraud network. According to the agency, the investigation was initiated following multiple complaints received from the US Embassy in New Delhi, which led to the registration of criminal cases by the Punjab and Delhi Police. The ED alleges that the accused prepared forged educational certificates, fabricated work experience documents, false financial records and temporary proof of funds to help applicants who did not meet the eligibility requirements obtain US student and visitor visas.
The prosecution complaint names Red Leaf Immigration, Amandeep Singh, Poonam Rani, Ankur Kumar Kehar, Nitin Vij, Kamaljot Kansal, Overseas Partner, and Rudra Consultancy Services as accused. According to the ED, these individuals and entities allegedly operated an organised immigration fraud racket and generated illicit proceeds by facilitating visa applications using forged and fabricated documents.
The agency stated that the money laundering investigation began after multiple FIRs were registered by the Punjab and Delhi Police based on complaints submitted by the US Embassy. According to the ED, the alleged conspiracy involved preparing forged educational certificates, fabricated employment records, fake bank statements, false financial documents and fraudulent proof of funds to support visa applications.
The ED has alleged that Red Leaf Immigration, reportedly managed by Amandeep Singh and Poonam Rani, specifically targeted visa applicants who failed to meet the prescribed academic or financial eligibility criteria. Investigators claim the accused arranged forged documents to falsely portray such applicants as eligible for US student and visitor visas.
According to the agency, the entire visa application process was allegedly managed through email accounts operated and controlled by the accused. The ED claims these email accounts were used to prepare, exchange and submit visa-related documents, allowing the alleged fraudulent operation to function in an organised manner.
Investigators are also examining the financial activities, bank accounts, digital communications and money trail linked to the accused to determine how the alleged proceeds of crime were generated, transferred and utilised. The probe is expected to establish whether additional individuals or entities were involved in laundering the alleged illegal earnings.
Legal experts note that knowingly submitting forged educational, financial or employment documents in support of a visa application may constitute violations of immigration laws in the destination country, while also attracting offences such as cheating, forgery and money laundering under Indian law, depending on the facts established during the investigation.
The ED has clarified that the investigation is ongoing and that the allegations contained in the chargesheet are based on evidence collected during the probe. The charges have not yet been tested before a court, and the guilt or innocence of the accused will be determined during judicial proceedings. The agency said further individuals or organisations may be brought under investigation if additional evidence emerges.
