ED files PMLA complaint in alleged visa fraud racket
The ED’s probe is based on multiple FIRs alleging conspiracy in the preparation of forged educational certificates, fabricated experience certificates, fake financial statements, and fraudulent proof of funds for securing U.S. student and visitor visas
You don’t have any Active Subscription.
Your active subscription(s)
Account subscription benefits alongside Premium Stories, Editorials, Opinions and more. Unlock these with Subscription
Products you've access to
Additional Subscription Benefits
Need help with your subscription?
The ED’s probe is based on multiple FIRs alleging conspiracy in the preparation of forged educational certificates, fabricated experience certificates, fake financial statements, and fraudulent proof of funds for securing U.S. student and visitor visas
Updated - July 16, 2026 01:47 am IST - NEW DELHI
Image used for representational purposes only. | Photo Credit: Reuters
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a prosecution complaint against Red Leaf Immigration Private Limited and others in connection with an alleged organised immigration and visa fraud.
Among those named are Amandeep Singh, Poonam Rani, Ankur Kumar Kehar, Nitin Vij, Kamaljot Kansal, Overseas Partner, and Rudra Consultancy Services. They have been made accused under various provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
The ED initiated its probe based on multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) registered by the police in Punjab and Delhi, following complaints lodged by the United States Embassy in New Delhi. They allege conspiracy involving preparation and submission of forged educational certificates, fabricated experience certificates, fake financial statements, and fraudulent proof of funds for securing U.S. student and visitor visas.
According to the agency, its investigation revealed that Red Leaf Immigration, managed by Amandeep Singh and Poonam Rani, operated a “systematic immigration fraud racket by targeting visa applicants who lacked the requisite academic qualifications or financial eligibility”.
“The accused persons charged substantial amounts from applicants for arranging forged educational credentials, fabricated work experience certificates, gap cover documents and temporary fund arrangements to falsely satisfy visa requirements. The entire visa application process, including communication with foreign universities and visa authorities, was controlled by the accused through email accounts operated by them,” it said.
“Overseas Partner, operated by Ankur Kumar Kehar, in conspiracy with Rudra Consultancy Services, operated by Nitin Vij, arranged temporary accommodation of funds in bank accounts of visa applicants to create a false impression of financial capability 154 visa applicants were provided fabricated proof of funds through this mechanism by depositing about ₹40 lakh in applicants’ bank accounts for a short duration and withdrawing the same immediately thereafter,” the agency said.
The accused charged about ₹40,000 per applicant for providing such fund arrangements. “Investigation also established that Infowiz Software Solution, operated by Kamaljot Kansal, prepared fabricated training, internship and experience certificates for visa applicants who had never undergone training or employment,” the agency said.
In February 2025, the ED had searched multiple locations and lockers linked to the accused persons and seized digital devices, diaries containing records of illegal transactions, ₹19 lakh in unaccounted cash, and a one kilogram gold bar.
The agency quantified the proceeds of the alleged crime as about ₹2.14 crore, “comprising ₹1.37 crore generated by Red Leaf Immigration; ₹61.60 lakh by Overseas Partner and Rudra Consultancy Services; and ₹15 lakh by Infowiz Software Solution”. It provisionally attached and froze assets equivalent to ₹2.14 crore.
Published - July 15, 2026 07:42 pm IST
fraud / crime / crime, law and justice
Terms & conditions | Institutional Subscriber
Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.
We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of The Hindu and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.
