Panchkula. The district’s Anti-Immigration Fraud Unit on Monday reported that four individuals have been arrested for allegedly defrauding a Ludhiana resident of ₹12 lakh by providing him a fake visa for Australia. According to police, the case was registered at Sector 5 police station on February 27 under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Arrests Across States and Expanding Probe
Authorities stated that Harpreet, a resident of Ambala, was arrested from Ludhiana on March 17. During a six-day remand period, police interrogated him and, based on the information provided, arrested three more accused — Chirag Narula, Harbhajan Singh, and his wife Neha — from Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, on March 19. All accused were presented in court and taken on police remand for further questioning to conduct an in-depth investigation.
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Digital Trails and Forged Documents
The complainant alleged that in November 2025, the accused took his passport and other documents and handed over a fake visa in exchange for ₹12 lakh. The victim had also spent approximately ₹5 lakh on travel arrangements before discovering the fraud. Key evidence, including WhatsApp chats, bank records, and forged visa documents, was collected during the investigation.
Police also recovered ₹3.35 lakh in cash, five mobile phones, and other documents from the accused. Two suspects remain at large, and raids are ongoing to apprehend them. After the completion of police remand, all arrested accused were sent to judicial custody on Tuesday.
A Wider Pattern of Immigration Fraud
Officials highlighted that such frauds often involve the use of fake websites and forged documents, resulting in significant financial losses for victims. The statements of the accused and evidence collected during the probe corroborate the complaint.
This case not only underscores the severity of international visa fraud but also highlights how citizens can be targeted through both online and offline channels under the guise of fake investment or foreign travel opportunities.
Authorities have urged the public to rely only on certified agencies and official channels for any visa or international travel-related transactions and to immediately report any suspicious or unusual requests to the police.
