ED files chargesheet in Rs 40 lakh 'short duration' deposit US visa 'fraud' case

New Delhi, Jul 15 (PTI) Private immigration assistance agencies from some north Indian states allegedly used to deposit Rs 40 lakh in the bank accounts of US visa aspirants for a "short duration" to create "false" financial credentials for them to obtain the vital travel authorisation, the ED has said in a latest chargesheet. The federal agency filed a prosecution complaint (chargesheet) on Monday before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Jalandhar in a case related to "organised" immigration and visa fraud. The ED probe stems from multiple FIRs filed by the Delhi Police and the Punjab Police against this alleged racket that was prompted by a complaint filed by the US Embassy in Delhi, the agency said in a statement on Wednesday. The FIRs relate to a "well-organised conspiracy" involving the preparation and submission of forged educational certificates, fabricated experience certificates, fake financial statements and fraudulent proof of funds for obtaining student and visitor visas for the United States. The agency conducted multiple searches as part of this investigation in Delhi, Punjab and Haryana in February 2025. The action came after a number of Indians from these states, along with a few others, were deported aboard US military planes. The agency also recorded statements of a number of these deportees and seized assets worth a few crores. The chargesheet has been filed against private firms like Red Leaf Immigration, its managers Amandeep Singh and Poonam Rani, Overseas Partner, its operator Ankur Kumar Kehar, Rudra Consultancy Services, its operator Nitin Vij, and a person named Kamaljot Kansal, the ED said. Red Leaf Immigration, it alleged, operated a systematic immigration fraud racket by targeting visa applicants who lacked the requisite academic qualifications or financial eligibility. "The accused charged substantial amounts from applicants for arranging forged educational credentials, fabricated work experience certificates, gap cover documents and temporary fund arrangements to falsely satisfy visa requirements," it alleged. The entire visa application process, including communication with foreign universities and visa authorities, was controlled by the accused through email accounts operated by them, the probe found. Levelling similar charges against the company and Rudra Consultancy Services, the ED said these accused person arranged temporary accommodation of funds in bank accounts of visa applicants to create a "false" impression of financial capability. "As per the investigation, 154 visa applicants were provided fabricated proof of funds through this mechanism by depositing around Rs 40 lakh in applicants' bank accounts for a short duration and withdrawing the same immediately thereafter," the ED said. It alleged that the accused charged about Rs 40,000 per applicant for providing such fund arrangements. It also mentioned the role of another company named Infowiz Software Solution (operated by Kamaljot Kansal) which prepared "fabricated" training, internship and experience certificates for visa applicants who had never undergone training or employment. Seized diaries and incriminating records corroborated the preparation of fake employment documents in lieu of cash consideration, it said. PTI NES KSS KSS