The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted search operations on 25 February at five business and residential buildings in Ludhiana and Chandigarh as part of an ongoing investigation into fraudulent immigration services. The raids were conducted under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The firms under scrutiny include Red Leaf Immigration Private limited, Overseas Partner Education Consultants, and Infowiz Software Solution among others.
During the search operation, various incriminating documents, digital devices and cash amounting to ₹19 Lakhs were recovered and seized. The raids were conducted following multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) registered by the Punjab and Delhi Police, based on complaints from the Office of the Overseas Criminal Investigations, US Embassy in New Delhi.
These complaints highlighted fraudulent activities perpetrated by visa consultants promising legitimate opportunities. ED’s investigations revealed that the accused entities had been involved in forging educational certificates and experience letters for ineligible visa applicants aspiring to study or work in the United States.
Additionally, they facilitated the transfer of funds into visa applicants’ accounts to falsely reflect a minimum balance requirement for visa approvals. In exchange for these fraudulent services, the accused firms charged exorbitant fees from applicants. The Proceeds of Crime (POC) generated from such illicit activities were subsequently used to acquire movable and immovable assets and were funneled into various bank accounts.
The Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002
The Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, provides a legal framework to identify and prosecute offenders involved in money laundering activities and enables the authorities to seize property acquired through illicit means. The ED’s action underscores the agency’s commitment to curbing financial crimes linked to immigration fraud.
The raids also come in the wake of flurry of deportations from the United States, where several deportees alleged that they were duped by fraudulent travel agents. Many victims paid substantial sums to these firms in the hopes of securing legal entry into the US, only to find themselves stranded or forced into perilous situations while attempting to cross borders illegally.
The ongoing investigation is expected to unearth further evidence, and the ED is likely to take additional legal actions against the individuals and firms involved. The authorities urge prospective immigrants to exercise caution and verify the credentials of immigrations consultants before engaging their services.
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Manbilas Singh is a talented writer and journalist who focuses on the finer details in every story and values integrity above everything. A self-proclaimed sleuth, he strives to expose the fine print behind seemingly mundane activities and aims to uncover the truth that is hidden from the general public. In his time away from work, he is a music aficionado and a nerd who revels in video & board games, books and Formula 1.
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