Visa Fraud: 23 Duped of ₹2.41 Cr in Anand Scam

23 Duped of ₹2.41 Crore in International Visa Scam; CID Files Case Against Anand Duo

In a significant crackdown on visa fraud, the Gujarat Crime Investigation Department (CID) has registered a case against two individuals from Anand—Kunal Patel and Pritesh Patel—for allegedly orchestrating a large-scale scam that defrauded 23 people of over ₹2.41 crore. The Times of India

Modus Operandi

The accused promised employment-based visas under the 186 Employment Nomination Scheme in Australia, claiming job packages ranging from AUD 79,000 to 98,000 per annum. They assured applicants of legitimate work permits, rental agreements, and medical clearances in exchange for payments made in instalments. The Times of India

Victims were shown convincing but fraudulent documents, including nomination letters from reputed Australian companies. Payments were made through bank transfers and cash to the accounts of the accused and their associates, including agents from an angadia firm in Anand. The Times of India

Tejas Patel, a 33-year-old construction supervisor from Ghatlodiya, was among the first to be duped. After being assured of speedy processing, he referred his friends and relatives to the accused, ultimately handing over files and payments for 23 individuals. The Times of India

Legal Action and Investigation

The CID has booked the accused under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for cheating, forgery, and criminal breach of trust. Investigations are underway to trace the whereabouts of the duo, who are suspected to be operating from overseas or are in hiding. The Times of India

A senior CID officer stated, "This is a highly organised fraud with a network possibly stretching internationally. We are verifying money trails, examining fake documents, and coordinating with immigration authorities to track the extent of the scam." The Times of India

Implications

This case underscores the need for vigilance among visa applicants and stricter regulatory oversight to prevent such fraudulent activities. Authorities are urging individuals to verify the credentials of visa agents and consult official channels when seeking employment opportunities abroad.