The alarming trend of Rising Immigration Frauds in Chandigarh has exposed a deep-rooted network of fake visa consultancies and fraudulent overseas agents operating across the city. Over the past five years, hundreds of residents chasing dreams of settling abroad have instead landed in police stations.

According to official data from Chandigarh Police, between 2021 and 2025, a total of 433 cheating cases related to immigration fraud were registered, involving an alleged amount of nearly Rs 74 crore.

The investigation also revealed the involvement of 232 fraudulent immigration firms, highlighting the rapid expansion of illegal consultancies in prime commercial areas.

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Rising Immigration Frauds in Chandigarh: Year-Wise Breakdown

Police records show a steady surge in cases over five years:

• 2021: 11 cases
• 2022: 36 cases
• 2023: 62 cases
• 2024: 194 cases (peak year)
• 2025: 130 cases

While 2025 saw a slight drop in the number of complaints compared to 2024, the amount involved remained high — suggesting fewer cases but larger financial losses.

The data confirms that Rising Immigration Frauds in Chandigarh are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern affecting hundreds of families.

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Rs 74 Crore Money Trail: Financial Losses Soar

The year-wise financial impact reveals how dramatically immigration scams have escalated:

• 2021: Around Rs 1 crore
• 2022: Rs 4.93 crore
• 2023: Rs 7.77 crore
• 2024: Rs 27.10 crore
• 2025: Rs 23.63 crore

The massive spike in 2024 reflects organized fraud networks operating at scale.

Police officials say many victims delay filing complaints, hoping agents will eventually deliver visas. By the time cases are reported, offices are often shut and accused persons disappear.

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Arrests and Police Crackdown

As Rising Immigration Frauds in Chandigarh intensified, enforcement action also increased:

• 12 arrests in 2021
• 32 in 2022
• 41 in 2023
• 122 in 2024
• 82 in 2025

SSP Kanwardeep Kaur Mam stated that these figures represent only reported cases.

“In several instances, complainants approach us after months of waiting. By then, the firm may have closed down,” she said.

In 2026, the pattern has continued. On January 1, a fresh FIR was registered involving an alleged Rs 18 lakh visa fraud case. Investigation remains ongoing.

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232 Fake Immigration Firms Identified

One of the most significant findings in the investigation into Rising Immigration Frauds in Chandigarh is the number of fake firms uncovered.

Police identified:

• 4 firms in 2021
• 7 in 2022
• 44 in 2023
• 99 in 2024
• 78 in 2025

These firms were operating openly from major commercial hubs including Sectors 17, 22, 34, 36, 37, 39 and 40.

Authorities warn that location alone does not guarantee legitimacy. Many fraudulent offices are professionally set up, giving a false impression of authenticity.

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Registered vs Illegal Immigration Firms

Currently, 441 immigration companies are officially registered with Chandigarh Police.

However, authorities estimate that over 200 firms may be operating illegally without proper authorization.

In 2024 alone, nearly 100 individuals were arrested for running unauthorised immigration businesses.

The sharp contrast between registered and illegal operators further explains the scale of Rising Immigration Frauds in Chandigarh.

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Common Modus Operandi

Police investigations reveal a consistent scam pattern:

• Promise of guaranteed visas
• Assured foreign job placements
• Fake university admission letters
• Demands for Rs 15–30 lakh payments
• Repeated delays citing embassy or documentation issues
• Sudden closure of offices

Many victims reported being shown forged documents and fake success stories.

Eventually, phones are switched off and offices shut overnight.

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Victims Speak

Several complainants admitted they took loans based on agent assurances.

“They showed us genuine-looking documents and said the visa was guaranteed. By the time we realised it was fake, the office had closed,” said one victim.

Another said repeated excuses about embassy delays were used to buy time before disappearing.

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Police Verification Drive Underway

To combat Rising Immigration Frauds in Chandigarh, UT Police has launched a verification drive.

Authorities are reviewing:

• Registration details
• Office addresses
• Financial transactions
• Past complaints

Strict action under the Immigration Act is being initiated against violators. Police are also tracking money trails to identify larger fraud networks.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is causing Rising Immigration Frauds in Chandigarh?

High demand for overseas migration, lack of awareness, and the presence of unregistered agents have contributed to the surge.

2. How much money has been lost in immigration fraud cases?

Between 2021 and 2025, nearly Rs 74 crore was allegedly involved in reported cases.

3. How many fake immigration firms were identified?

Chandigarh Police traced 232 fraudulent firms over five years.

4. How can people verify genuine immigration consultants?

Applicants should check registration status with Chandigarh Police and avoid agents promising guaranteed visas.

5. What should victims do if cheated?

Victims should immediately file an FIR and preserve payment receipts, contracts, and communication records.

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