A case of alleged immigration fraud has come to light in Mohali, where a youth was reportedly cheated of around ₹12.50 lakh on the false promise of securing an Italy work visa. Following a detailed probe by the Punjab Police NRI Wing, a case has been registered against the accused for cheating, criminal breach of trust, and operating immigration services without a valid license.
According to official information, the complainant, Bharoop Singh, a resident of Sector-117, TDI City, Mohali, approached the NRI Wing with a complaint alleging that Surjeet Singh, a native of village Bhaowal in Rupnagar district and currently residing in Italy, duped him on the assurance of arranging a work visa for Italy.
The complaint states that the two came into contact in 2021, when the accused promised to facilitate an Italy work visa for a sum ranging between ₹12 and ₹13 lakh. Trusting his assurances, the complainant transferred approximately ₹12.50 lakh to the accused through various means over time. Surjeet Singh allegedly assured Bharoop Singh that his visa would be converted into a valid work visa after reaching Italy.
However, the promised conversion never took place, and the money was also not returned. The complainant further alleged that he stayed in Italy for nearly 23 months, during which he was made to work without wages and was subjected to mental and physical harassment. Due to the accused’s failure to regularize his visa status, Bharoop Singh reportedly fell into an overstay situation, exposing him to legal and personal risks abroad.
The NRI Wing’s investigation revealed that the accused did not possess any valid license or legal authorization required to provide immigration or visa-related services. It was also confirmed that no genuine steps were taken to convert the complainant’s visa into a work permit within the stipulated time.
Based on the investigation report, senior police officials directed the registration of a formal case. Subsequently, an FIR has been lodged at Balongi Police Station against Surjeet Singh under relevant sections of cheating and the Immigration Act. The investigation has been handed over to ASI Amandeep Singh, and further legal action is underway.
Police officials have once again advised aspiring migrants to verify the credentials and licenses of immigration agents before making any financial commitments, to avoid falling prey to such frauds.
