The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has lodged a prosecution complaint under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) before the Special Court (PMLA) in Jalandhar, Punjab, concerning an alleged immigration and visa fraud amounting to approximately ₹2.14 crore.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the complaint targets Red Leaf Immigration Pvt Ltd, along with individuals Amandeep Singh, Poonam Rani, Ankur Kumar Kehar, Nitin Vij, Kamaljot Kansal, M/s Overseas Partner, and M/s Rudra Consultancy Services. These entities and individuals are accused of involvement in laundering the proceeds of crime generated through a systematic and organized fraud scheme aimed at facilitating the acquisition of United States visas.
Investigation Uncovers Widespread Fraudulent Practices
The Enforcement Directorate’s investigation was initiated following the registration of multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) by both the Punjab Police and the Delhi Police. These FIRs were themselves prompted by complaints lodged by the United States Embassy in New Delhi. The complaints detailed an alleged well-organized conspiracy involving the creation and submission of counterfeit educational certificates, fabricated experience documents, falsified financial statements, and fraudulent proof of funds to secure US student and visitor visas.
Evidence gathered under the PMLA suggests that M/s Red Leaf Immigration Pvt Ltd, reportedly managed by Amandeep Singh and Poonam Rani, operated a significant immigration fraud racket. The operation is said to have specifically targeted visa applicants who did not meet the requisite academic qualifications or possess the necessary financial eligibility for visa approval.
According to the ED, the accused entities and individuals levied substantial fees from applicants. These charges were ostensibly for the arrangement of forged educational credentials, fabricated work experience certificates, documentation to cover gaps in employment or education, and temporary financial arrangements designed to falsely satisfy visa application requirements. The agency further alleged that the entire visa application process, including all communications with foreign universities and visa authorities, was under the control of the accused, who allegedly operated through a network of email accounts.
Arrangement of Fake Financial Documents and Certificates
The investigation also revealed the alleged involvement of M/s Overseas Partner, operated by Ankur Kumar Kehar, in collusion with M/s Rudra Consultancy Services, run by Nitin Vij. Together, they are accused of facilitating the temporary accommodation of funds in the bank accounts of visa applicants. This tactic was employed to create a misleading impression of financial capability, a crucial component for visa approvals.
The ED stated that approximately 154 visa applicants reportedly benefited from this mechanism, with fabricated proof of funds provided by depositing around ₹40 lakh into their bank accounts for a short duration before the funds were withdrawn. The accused allegedly charged approximately ₹40,000 per applicant for facilitating these fraudulent financial arrangements.
Furthermore, the investigation implicated M/s Infowiz Software Solution, operated by Kamaljot Kansal, in the preparation of fabricated training, internship, and experience certificates. These documents were allegedly provided to visa applicants who had never actually undertaken the training or held the employments described. Seized diaries and other incriminating records reportedly corroborated the preparation of these fake employment documents in exchange for cash payments.
Seizures and Asset Attachments
In February 2025, the Enforcement Directorate conducted searches under Section 17 of the PMLA at multiple premises and lockers associated with the accused individuals and entities. These searches yielded significant seizures, including incriminating documents, digital devices, diaries detailing alleged illegal transactions, unaccounted cash amounting to ₹19 lakh, and a gold bar weighing approximately 1 kilogram.
The investigation successfully identified the proceeds of crime generated through the alleged visa fraud and subsequent money laundering activities. The total value of these proceeds of crime was quantified by the ED at approximately ₹2.14 crore. This amount includes an estimated ₹1.37 crore generated by M/s Red Leaf Immigration Pvt Ltd, ₹61.60 lakh by M/s Overseas Partner and M/s Rudra Consultancy Services, and ₹15 lakh by M/s Infowiz Software Solution.
As part of the ongoing proceedings under the PMLA, the ED has provisionally attached and frozen movable and immovable properties valued at ₹2.14 crore. These attached assets, which include residential properties and bank balances, are understood to represent the alleged proceeds of the crime.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
