Punjab Mother-Daughter Duo Arrested in Canada Marriage Scam Targeting Men

A major marriage scam has come to light in Punjab, affecting families and individuals who dreamed of starting a new life in Canada 🇨🇦. As of July 18, 2025, authorities have uncovered a scheme led by Sukhdarshan Kaur and her daughter Harpreet, both originally from Ludhiana. This update explains what has changed, who is affected, what actions are required, and the broader implications for those involved in or considering marriage-based immigration from Punjab.

Summary of What Changed

The recent exposure of the marriage scam in Punjab has brought new attention to the risks involved in using marriage as a pathway to Canadian residency. The scam, led by Sukhdarshan Kaur and her daughter Harpreet, targeted at least seven men from Punjab. These men were promised marriage to Harpreet, who lives in Canada 🇨🇦, as a way to secure permanent residency. The victims lost large sums of money and, in some cases, land, after being convinced of the legitimacy of the marriage through photos and video calls.

Who Is Affected

• Victims: At least seven men from Punjab, but the actual number may be higher as more cases come to light.
• Families: The families of the victims, who often contributed financially or emotionally to the process.
• Prospective Immigrants: Anyone in Punjab or elsewhere considering marriage as a route to Canadian residency.
• Authorities: Law enforcement in Punjab and Canadian immigration officials, who now face increased pressure to detect and prevent such scams.

Effective Dates

• The scam was uncovered and arrests were made as of July 18, 2025.
• Ongoing investigations may reveal more victims or lead to further arrests in the coming months.

Required Actions for Affected Individuals

If you believe you have been affected by a similar marriage scam, or if you are considering marriage as a way to immigrate to Canada 🇨🇦, there are important steps you should take:

1. Report the Incident Immediately
   • Contact your local police station in Punjab or the dedicated Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Affairs Cell.
   • Provide all details, including names, dates, and any communication records.
2. Gather and Preserve Evidence
   • Save all messages, emails, photos, and receipts related to the scam.
   • Keep a record of any financial transactions, including bank transfers or cash payments.

1. Seek Legal Advice
   • Consult with a lawyer experienced in immigration and fraud cases.
   • Understand your rights and possible ways to recover lost money or property.
2. Contact Support Groups
   • Reach out to organizations such as Canadians Against Immigration Fraud for guidance and emotional support.
   • These groups can help you connect with others who have faced similar situations.
3. Monitor Official Updates
   • Stay informed about any policy changes or new procedures announced by Canadian or Indian authorities.
   • Check the official Government of Canada Immigration and Citizenship website for updates on marriage-based immigration and fraud prevention.

Implications for Pending Applications

If you are currently in the process of applying for Canadian residency through marriage, or if your application is pending, this scam may have several effects:

• Increased Scrutiny: Canadian immigration officials are likely to examine marriage-based applications more closely, especially those from Punjab.
• Longer Processing Times: Applications may take longer to process as authorities work to verify the authenticity of relationships.
• Possible Interviews: You may be called for additional interviews or asked to provide more evidence of a genuine relationship.
• Risk of Rejection: If officials suspect a sham marriage, your application could be denied, and you may face a ban from future applications.

Background and Context

The desire to move to Canada 🇨🇦 is especially strong in Punjab, where many families see marriage as a reliable way to secure a better future. The large Punjabi community in Canada 🇨🇦 and the belief that marriage to a Canadian resident or citizen can lead to quick residency have made this route very popular. However, this popularity has also created opportunities for scams.

In the recent case, Sukhdarshan Kaur and her daughter Harpreet used photos and video calls to convince men in Punjab that Harpreet was interested in marriage. They demanded large sums of money, claiming it was needed to pay off debts from Harpreet’s education abroad. After receiving the money, the promised marriages never took place, and the victims were left with financial and emotional losses.

Legal and Policy Developments

Canadian immigration law allows for spouses of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to apply for permanent residency. This process is meant for genuine couples, but it has sometimes been abused by those seeking to profit from fake marriages. As reported by VisaVerge.com, Canadian officials are aware of these risks and have been working to improve their ability to detect sham marriages.

• Stricter Vetting: Immigration officers now use more detailed interviews and background checks to confirm that marriages are genuine.
• Legal Actions in India: Punjab police have set up special cells to handle cases involving non-resident Indians (NRIs). When suspects are abroad, authorities can issue lookout notices and impound their passports if they return to India.
• International Cooperation: There is growing cooperation between Indian and Canadian authorities to share information and stop cross-border scams.

Expert Opinions

Ramesh Maharaj, vice-president of Canadians Against Immigration Fraud, has pointed out that while most marriages are genuine, the small number of scams can hurt everyone. He says that Canadian officials are now better trained to spot warning signs during interviews, such as inconsistent answers or lack of knowledge about each other’s lives.

Experts also recommend that both countries continue to improve their systems for sharing information and tracking suspects. They stress the importance of educating the public about the risks of marriage scams and encouraging victims to come forward.

Practical Effects on Victims

The impact of marriage scams goes beyond financial loss. Victims often face:

• Loss of Money and Property: Many victims in Punjab have sold land or taken loans to pay the scammers, leaving them in debt.
• Emotional Trauma: Being tricked in such a personal way can lead to shame, depression, and loss of trust in others.
• Legal Problems: Victims may have to deal with long and complicated legal cases, especially if the scam involves people living in different countries.

Why Are Marriage Scams Increasing in Punjab?

Several factors have contributed to the rise in marriage scams in Punjab:

• High Demand for Canadian Residency: Many young people in Punjab see Canada 🇨🇦 as a land of opportunity, making them easy targets for scammers.
• Lack of Awareness: Not everyone knows how the Canadian immigration system works, making it easier for scammers to make false promises.
• Social Pressure: Families often feel pressure to arrange marriages quickly, sometimes without proper checks.
• Financial Motivation: Scammers know that families are willing to pay large sums for the chance to move abroad.

How Canadian Immigration Authorities Are Responding

Canadian immigration officials are taking several steps to address the problem:

• More Interviews: Couples applying for spousal sponsorship may be called for in-person or video interviews to prove their relationship is real.
• Document Checks: Officials look for evidence like shared bank accounts, joint leases, and photos together.
• Longer Processing Times: Applications from regions with high rates of fraud, such as Punjab, may take longer to process.
• Penalties for Fraud: If a marriage is found to be fake, both the sponsor and the applicant can face bans from entering Canada 🇨🇦 or sponsoring others in the future.

Advice for Prospective Immigrants and Families

If you are considering marriage as a way to immigrate to Canada 🇨🇦, keep these tips in mind:

• Do Your Research: Learn about the official process for spousal sponsorship on the Government of Canada Immigration and Citizenship website.
• Be Wary of Promises: No one can guarantee a visa or residency through marriage. Be careful if someone asks for large sums of money.
• Check Backgrounds: Always verify the background of the person you are considering marrying, especially if they live abroad.
• Avoid Middlemen: Use official channels and avoid agents or brokers who promise quick results for a fee.
• Keep Records: Save all documents and communication related to the marriage and immigration process.

What to Do If You Suspect a Scam

If you think you are being targeted by a marriage scam, act quickly:

• Stop All Payments: Do not send any more money or personal information.
• Contact Authorities: Report the case to local police and the NRI Affairs Cell in Punjab.
• Inform Canadian Authorities: If the scam involves someone in Canada 🇨🇦, you can report it to Canadian immigration officials.
• Seek Support: Talk to family, friends, or support groups for help and advice.

Implications for the Community

The exposure of this scam has wider effects on the community:

• Trust Issues: Genuine couples may face more suspicion from authorities, making it harder for real relationships to be recognized.
• Financial Strain: Families who lose money in scams may struggle to recover, affecting their long-term plans.
• Policy Changes: As more scams are uncovered, both Indian and Canadian authorities may introduce stricter rules, affecting everyone who applies for marriage-based immigration.

Looking Ahead: Possible Future Changes

While there have been no official policy changes announced as of July 2025, experts expect that both countries will continue to tighten their procedures. This could include:

• More Background Checks: Authorities may require more documents and evidence to prove the relationship is real.
• Stricter Penalties: Those found guilty of running or participating in marriage scams may face heavier fines or jail time.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Governments may launch campaigns to educate people about the risks of marriage scams and how to avoid them.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The marriage scam involving Sukhdarshan Kaur and her daughter Harpreet is a warning for anyone considering marriage as a way to move to Canada 🇨🇦. The case shows how easy it can be to fall victim to false promises, especially when emotions and dreams of a better life are involved.

If you or someone you know has been affected, take action right away:

• Report the scam to local and international authorities
• Gather all evidence and seek legal help
• Stay informed about official procedures and updates
• Reach out to support groups for guidance and emotional support

By staying alert and following the right steps, you can protect yourself and your family from similar scams. For more information on spousal sponsorship and how to avoid fraud, visit the official Canadian immigration website.

Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that while most people seeking to immigrate through marriage are genuine, the actions of a few can make the process harder for everyone. Authorities in both Punjab and Canada 🇨🇦 are working to improve their systems, but it is up to individuals and families to stay informed and cautious.

Remember, genuine immigration takes time and careful planning. Avoid shortcuts, ask questions, and always use official channels to make your dream of a new life abroad a reality.

Learn Today

Marriage Scam → A fraudulent scheme exploiting marriage for immigration benefits, involving deception and financial loss.
Permanent Residency → Legal status allowing a non-citizen to live and work in Canada indefinitely.
Spousal Sponsorship → Immigration process where a Canadian sponsors their spouse’s permanent residency application.
Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Affairs Cell → Police unit in Punjab handling cases involving Indians living abroad.
Sham Marriage → A marriage entered into solely for immigration advantage, without a genuine relationship.

This Article in a Nutshell

A major marriage scam surfaced in Punjab, harming families who sought Canadian residency through marriage. Seven men lost money and property to false promises. Authorities urge victims to report, collect evidence, and seek legal help. Canada tightens immigration rules, increasing scrutiny on Punjab marriage applications amid rising scams.
— By VisaVerge.com