The Enforcement Directorate has conducted searches on five business and residential premises in Chandigarh and Ludhiana, in connection with a case alleging fraudulent activities perpetrated by visa consultants.
The accused were involved in arranging forged documents to facilitate U.S. visas for the aspirants.
The premises are linked to Red Leaf Immigration Private Limited, Overseas Partner Education Consultants, and Infowiz Software Solution, and others, said the agency on Wednesday (February 26, 2025).
The case is being investigated under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, based on the First Information Reports registered by the police in Delhi and Punjab.
“During the search operations, various incriminating documents, digital devices, and ₹19 lakh in cash were seized,” the ED said.
The police cases were filed on a complaint from the Office of the Overseas Criminal Investigations, U.S. Embassy (Delhi) regarding alleged fraudulent activities perpetrated by the visa consultants, Red Leaf Immigration Private Limited, Overseas Partner Education Consultants, and others.
“ED investigation revealed that the accused persons/entities had forged the education certificates/experience letters of ineligible visa applicants who were aspiring to study or work in the United States of America and transferred funds to the accounts of various visa applicants to show minimum account balance for visa application in lieu of wrongful commission/charges..,” said the ED.
The accused persons helped various visa applicants to show their eligibility for visa of the U.S. by manipulating various facts and circumstances.
“By such criminal activities, the accused persons/entities charged hefty amounts from visa applicants and the Proceeds of Crime (PoC) generated through such criminal activities were further invested in the purchase of movable and immovable properties, and diverted in various banks accounts,” it said.
