📌 Quick Summary : UK Family Visa Scam
- Panchkula Police register immigration fraud case over alleged UK family visa scam
- Complainant claims loss of ₹2.40 lakh paid as advance visa processing fee
- Immigration consultancy allegedly failed to secure promised UK family visa
- Four refund cheques reportedly bounced due to insufficient funds
- Written settlement agreement allegedly not honored
- FIR registered under cheating, criminal breach of trust and Immigration Act provisions
🇬🇧 Panchkula News: Immigration Firm Booked in UK Family Visa Scam Case
A fresh immigration fraud case has surfaced in Panchkula, where police have registered an FIR against an immigration consultancy operator and its representative for allegedly cheating a resident on the pretext of securing a UK family visa.
The complainant alleges that he was promised settlement opportunities in the United Kingdom along with his family but neither received the visa nor recovered the money paid toward the process.
💼 Family Settlement Dream Turns Into Alleged Fraud
According to the complaint filed by:
Kuldeep Kumar, a resident of Sector-4, Panchkula,
he was looking for immigration services in 2022 to relocate to the United Kingdom with his family.
During this period, he reportedly came across advertisements for:
Luthra Immigration Consultancy based in Chandigarh.
The complainant alleges that consultancy operator: Manav Luthra
presented himself as one of the leading immigration consultants in the Tricity region and assured him that a UK family visa could be secured within three to four months.
💰 ₹25 Lakh Package Offered, ₹2.40 Lakh Paid Upfront
According to the complaint, the consultancy proposed a:
🇬🇧 UK Family Visa Package
worth:
💰 ₹25 lakh
The agreement allegedly required:
✔ ₹2.40 lakh as advance application charges
✔ Remaining payment after visa approval
Trusting the assurances, the complainant reportedly transferred:
💰 ₹2.40 lakh
through online banking on:
📅 June 3, 2022
⏳ Months Passed Without Visa Progress
The complainant alleges that after making the payment, there was little to no progress on the immigration process.
According to the complaint:
- Repeated follow-ups were made
- Technical issues were cited
- Processing delays were blamed
- New excuses were repeatedly given
Even after several months, the promised UK family visa was allegedly not secured.
❌ Refund Requested, Cheques Issued
After losing confidence in the immigration process, the complainant demanded a refund.
According to the complaint, representatives of the consultancy later issued:
📄 Four post-dated cheques
worth a combined:
💰 ₹1.50 lakh
The cheques reportedly included:
- Three cheques of ₹40,000 each
- One cheque of ₹30,000
🚫 All Four Cheques Allegedly Bounced
The complaint states that the first cheque was deposited in:
📅 August 2024
but was returned due to:
❌ Insufficient Funds
The consultancy allegedly requested that the remaining cheques be deposited later.
When the remaining three cheques were presented in:
📅 November 2024
they also reportedly bounced.
The complainant alleges that the accused continued making false assurances while withholding his money.
📝 Written Settlement Agreement Also Failed
Before approaching police, the complainant reportedly filed a complaint with the:
Anti Immigration Fraud Unit, Panchkula
During proceedings, a representative identified as:
Baljit Singh alias Robin
allegedly signed a written settlement agreement on:
📅 March 25, 2025
According to the agreement, the remaining dues were to be repaid by:
📅 May 10, 2025
However, the complainant alleges that no payment was made even after the deadline passed.
⚠️ Threat Allegations Surface
The complaint further alleges that after repeated attempts to recover the money:
❌ Phone calls went unanswered
❌ Communication stopped
❌ Threats of false legal cases were allegedly made
The complainant claims these actions were intended to discourage further recovery efforts.
🚔 FIR Registered After Investigation
Following an inquiry by the Anti Immigration Fraud Unit and approval from senior police officials, Sector-20 Police Station registered:
📄 FIR No. 111
on:
📅 June 9, 2026
The case has been registered against:
- Manav Luthra
- Luthra Immigration Consultancy
- Associated representatives
under provisions related to:
- Criminal Breach of Trust
- Cheating
- Immigration Act Violations
Police investigation is ongoing.
🧠 What This UK Family Visa Scam Means
This case highlights a recurring pattern in immigration fraud complaints where applicants are promised overseas settlement opportunities and later face delays, failed visa processes and refund disputes.
Common red flags include:
- Guaranteed visa approvals
- Large advance payments
- Repeated processing delays
- Refund promises through post-dated cheques
- Lack of transparent documentation
🚨 Common Warning Signs
- Pressure to pay upfront fees
- Unrealistic processing timelines
- Verbal guarantees instead of written commitments
- Repeated excuses regarding visa delays
- Cheques issued in place of actual refunds
📌 Important Advice
Before hiring any immigration consultant:
✔ Verify credentials and registrations
✔ Demand written agreements
✔ Confirm visa status independently
✔ Keep all payment records
✔ Report suspicious activity immediately
❓ FAQs : UK Family Visa Scam
1. How much money was allegedly paid in the UK Family Visa Scam?
The complainant alleges he paid ₹2.40 lakh as advance application charges.
2. Which visa was promised?
The consultancy allegedly promised a UK family visa.
3. What happened to the refund cheques in UK Family Visa Scam?
According to the complaint, all four cheques bounced due to insufficient funds.
4. Was a settlement agreement signed in UK Family Visa Scam?
Yes. A written agreement was allegedly signed in March 2025 promising repayment.
5. Has police action been taken in UK Family Visa Scam?
Yes. Sector-20 Police registered an FIR after investigation and approval from senior authorities.
🧾 Final Thoughts On UK Family Visa Scam
The Panchkula UK family visa case serves as another reminder that families pursuing overseas immigration opportunities should carefully verify consultants and maintain detailed records of every payment and agreement.
Authorities continue to encourage victims of immigration fraud to report suspicious activities promptly.
Source : Dainik Bhaskar
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