Rs 1.5 Crore Visa Scam Busted: MBA Graduate Held After Months on the Run
A 35-year-old MBA graduate accused of masterminding a large-scale fake immigration racket across northern India has been arrested after evading authorities for several months. The suspect, identified as Sahil Sharma of Punjab, was detained by Panchkula Police in Jaipur on November 3, officials confirmed.
According to investigators, Sharma allegedly duped nearly 100 victims from Punjab and Haryana, promising lucrative jobs and quick visas for countries including Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. Acting under the guise of an overseas employment consultant, he reportedly persuaded families to pay hefty sums, often assuring them that their visa applications were already “in process.”
One complainant from Panchkula told police he paid ₹14 lakh after Sharma guaranteed a work visa for his son. “Five lakh rupees were transferred directly to his account, while the remaining amount was handed over in cash. Soon after, all contact was lost,” said Assistant Commissioner of Police Vikram Nehra.
Police investigations have revealed that Sharma’s network operated offices in Ludhiana, Zirakpur, and Yamunanagar, where staff allegedly issued forged documents, counterfeit air tickets, and fake embassy correspondence to convince clients of their authenticity. To avoid detection, Sharma frequently changed locations and used multiple mobile phones and SIM cards obtained with false identity details.
The probe gained momentum in late October with the arrest of one of Sharma’s close aides, who disclosed his location in Rajasthan. Another associate has since been taken into custody through a production warrant, officers said.
During coordinated raids, police seized gold and diamond jewellery worth over ₹1.25 crore, ₹26.5 lakh in cash, 12 mobile phones, several ATM cards, passports, and a sports utility vehicle suspected to have been purchased with fraudulent proceeds.
Investigators believe the gang’s operations extended beyond Punjab and Haryana into Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh, and that additional arrests are imminent.
Police have urged citizens to verify the credentials of visa and immigration agents with district authorities before making any payments.