ImmigrationFraud – ED Files Money Laundering Chargesheet in Punjab Visa Scam Case
ImmigrationFraud – ImmigrationFraud – The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has submitted a prosecution complaint before a Special Court in Jalandhar against six individuals and three Punjab-based visa consultancy firms in connection with an alleged immigration and visa fraud network. According to the agency, the accused were involved in laundering money generated through fraudulent activities linked to applications for US student and visitor visas.
Charges Filed Under Anti-Money Laundering Law
The chargesheet has been filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. Those named include Red Leaf Immigration Pvt. Ltd., its promoters Amandeep Singh and Poonam Rani, along with Ankur Kumar Kehar, Nitin Vij, and Kamaljot Kansal. Two other firms, Overseas Partner and Rudra Consultancy Services, have also been named in the case for their alleged involvement in the financial transactions connected to the suspected fraud.
Investigation Originated From Multiple Police Cases
The ED stated that its investigation was launched after Punjab Police and Delhi Police registered several First Information Reports based on complaints received from the US Embassy in New Delhi. The complaints alleged the existence of a coordinated operation that prepared forged educational records, fabricated employment documents, false financial statements, and fake proof-of-funds certificates for applicants seeking visas to the United States.
According to investigators, these documents were allegedly used to help individuals who did not meet the required eligibility criteria for student and visitor visa applications.
Alleged Role of Consultancy Firms
The investigating agency claimed that applicants were charged money in exchange for forged credentials and temporary financial arrangements designed to strengthen their visa applications. Overseas Partner and Rudra Consultancy Services are accused of arranging short-term deposits in bank accounts to create the appearance of sufficient financial resources during the visa application process.
The ED further alleged that Infowiz Software Solution prepared counterfeit training and work experience certificates, which were then used to support visa applications submitted by clients.
Searches Led to Cash, Gold and Digital Evidence
As part of the investigation, the Enforcement Directorate carried out search operations in February 2025 at multiple locations. During these raids, officials recovered electronic devices and documents that are believed to be relevant to the case. Investigators also seized diaries containing records, unaccounted cash amounting to ₹19 lakh, and a gold bar weighing approximately one kilogram.
The agency said the recovered material is being examined as part of the ongoing investigation into the suspected money laundering activities.
Assets Attached During Investigation
According to the ED, the alleged proceeds of crime generated through the immigration fraud network have been estimated at around ₹2.14 crore. The agency added that properties and assets of an equivalent value have been provisionally attached under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act to safeguard potential recoveries during legal proceedings.
The prosecution complaint has now been placed before the Special Court under the PMLA in Jalandhar, where further judicial proceedings will take place in accordance with the law. The case remains under investigation, and authorities are continuing to examine the financial trail and the alleged involvement of individuals and organisations connected to the suspected visa fraud operation.