Visa Fraud: Consultancy Owner Arrested in Rs. 5 Lakh Scam

A job consultancy owner in Thiruvananthapuram has been arrested for allegedly defrauding a 24-year-old man of Rs 5 lakh under the false pretense of securing a work visa for Canada. Dolcy Josephine Saju, the owner of Brookeport Travel, is accused of collecting the money between February and March 2023 but failing to deliver on the promised visa.

The victim, who remains unnamed, reported the incident to the police, leading to the arrest of Saju. The police have registered a case against her under sections 420 and 406 of the Indian Penal Code for cheating and criminal breach of trust.

This incident is part of a growing trend of visa fraud cases in Thiruvananthapuram. In 2024 alone, over 50 such cases have been reported to the authorities. Norka Roots, a government agency, has issued a warning to the public to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of job consultancies before making any payments.

The arrest of Saju serves as a reminder of the importance of due diligence when dealing with job consultancies. It is crucial to thoroughly research agencies, check their credentials, and avoid making payments upfront without proper documentation.