The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has submitted a chargesheet in a Special Court in Jalandhar, Punjab, targeting immigration firms involved in money laundering through organized visa fraud linked to the US. The ED’s investigation, based on FIRs filed by Punjab Police and Delhi Police following complaints from the US Embassy in New Delhi, uncovered a sophisticated scheme. This scheme included the creation and submission of fake educational certificates, work experience documents, financial statements, and proof of funds to secure US student and visitor visas.
Red Leaf Immigration, managed by Amandeep Singh and Poonam Rani, was found to run a fraudulent immigration operation targeting visa applicants lacking necessary qualifications or financial means. The accused charged significant fees to provide forged educational and work documents, gap cover papers, and temporary fund arrangements to meet visa requirements. They controlled the entire visa application process, including communication with foreign authorities, through their email accounts.
Further investigation revealed that Overseas Partner, led by Ankur Kumar Kehar, in collusion with Rudra Consultancy Services, managed by Nitin Vij, orchestrated temporary fund deposits in applicants’ bank accounts to falsely demonstrate financial capability. The probe identified 154 visa applicants who received fabricated proof of funds by briefly depositing and withdrawing around Rs 40 lakh in their accounts. The accused charged approximately Rs 40,000 per applicant for these deceptive fund arrangements.
Infowiz Software Solution, operated by Kamaljot Kansal, was found to produce fake training, internship, and work experience certificates for visa applicants who never underwent such programs. Seized diaries and incriminating evidence supported the creation of false employment documents for cash payments. The ED’s searches in February 2025 led to the seizure of illicit documents, digital devices, diaries with illegal transaction records, unaccounted cash amounting to 19 lakh, and a gold bar weighing nearly 1 kg. The investigation quantified the proceeds of crime from visa fraud and money laundering activities at almost Rs 2.14 crore.
