232 Fake Immigration Firms And ₹74 Crore Immigration Fraud Uncovered in Chandigarh
What begins as a hopeful plan to study or work abroad has, for hundreds of residents in Chandigarh, ended at police stations. Official data released by the Chandigarh Police reveals that between 2021 and 2025, the city witnessed a sharp surge in immigration-related cheating cases, with 433 complaints registered and an alleged fraud amount touching nearly ₹74 crore.
The data highlights the expanding scale of immigration fraud in the Union Territory, fuelled by the unchecked growth of illegal consultancies promising overseas visas, jobs and permanent residency.
Rising Cases, Expanding Fake Network
Police investigations over the five-year period led to the identification of 232 fake or unlicensed immigration firms operating across the city. These entities, often set up in rented offices and promoted through social media and word-of-mouth, allegedly collected large sums from aspirants before shutting down or vanishing.
The number of registered cases has shown a steep upward trend. From just 11 cases in 2021, complaints rose to 36 in 2022 and 62 in 2023. The situation worsened dramatically in 2024, when cases peaked at 194. Although the number dipped to 130 in 2025, officials noted that the financial losses remained substantial.
Bigger Frauds, Higher Losses
Year-wise figures show that while the number of cases fluctuated, the amount of money involved increased sharply. The alleged fraud amount stood at about ₹1 crore in 2021, rising to ₹4.93 crore in 2022 and ₹7.77 crore in 2023. In 2024, the figure jumped more than threefold to ₹27.10 crore, followed by ₹23.63 crore in 2025.
Police officials say this trend suggests that frauds may be fewer in number in recent times, but each case involves significantly larger sums, often representing a family’s life savings.
Arrests and Police Action
Alongside the rise in complaints, police action has intensified. Arrests in immigration fraud cases increased from 12 in 2021 to 32 in 2022 and 41 in 2023. In 2024, police arrested 122 accused persons, while 82 arrests were made in 2025.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kanwardeep Kaur said the figures reflect only those cases that were officially reported. “Many victims hesitate to approach the police immediately, hoping the agent will eventually deliver on their promise,” she said.
“In several instances, people come to us after months of follow-up, by which time the firm has shut down or the accused has disappeared, making recovery and arrests more difficult,” the SSP added.
Verification Drive Launched
In response to the growing menace, the UT Police has launched a verification drive aimed at identifying and acting against unlicensed immigration agents operating in Chandigarh. Authorities are urging residents to verify the credentials of immigration consultants and report suspicious activities at the earliest.
Police officials also appealed to aspirants not to be lured by unrealistic promises of guaranteed visas or quick overseas jobs, warning that such assurances are often the first red flag of fraud.
As aspirations to go abroad continue to rise, law enforcement agencies say sustained vigilance and public awareness will be key to preventing more dreams from turning into financial and emotional distress.