Ahmedabad, July 12, 2025 – A couple in Chanakyapuri is reeling after allegedly being defrauded of Rs 37.50 lakh by visa consultants who promised a UK work permit. The case, registered Friday with Sola High Court police, highlights the risks associated with overseas employment schemes and the importance of verifying credentials.
Couple Loses Lakhs in UK Visa Scam
Authorities are investigating allegations of cheating, forgery, and document manipulation.
- A 36-year-old man filed a complaint against two visa consultants.
- The couple paid Rs 37.50 lakh for promised UK work permits for the wife and family.
- Police have registered a case under sections related to cheating and forgery.
- The consultants allegedly disappeared after receiving payment and providing a fake visa.
The complainant, a senior executive at a firm in Sanand, stated that his wife desired to settle in the UK. He contacted visa agents after learning his cousin successfully obtained a UK visa through consultants operating out of Tragad. One of the agents was a woman.
“In February 2025, both agents visited our home and we discussed the UK visa and work permit process for my wife, as well as visas for our daughter and son,” the complainant alleged. “We agreed on a total cost of Rs 37.50 lakh.”
The complainant reported paying the amount in both cash and online transfers. He provided his wife’s passport, BSc and MSc marksheets, an Aadhaar card copy, and a medical certificate for the work permit application. On May 26, his wife was summoned to Delhi for biometric data collection and passport submission, where her original passport was handed over.
On June 11, the consultant sent a video via WhatsApp appearing to show his wife’s passport with a UK visa stamp. However, the situation unraveled when, on July 1, the complainant attempted to arrange visa submission dates for himself and his children, only to be met with repeated false promises.
Subsequently, the consultants allegedly switched off their phones and abandoned their office and residence. A lawyer later contacted the couple, informing them that the consultant had left his wife’s passport at their office. Upon inspection, the passport was found to lack a genuine UK visa stamp.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to locate the accused consultants and recover the defrauded funds. This case serves as a stark reminder to thoroughly vet visa consultants and exercise caution when dealing with substantial financial transactions related to overseas employment.
