Police here have booked owners and staff of two immigration firms for alleged cheating and illegal operations, opening fresh First Information Reports (FIRs) on August 14, 2025, in one of the year’s most visible actions against suspected fraud in Chandigarh, India. Investigators say one case involves ₹50,000 taken from a client for a promised Canadian tourist visa that never arrived or got refunded, while another centers on an office allegedly run without a valid license. One accused, Pardeep Kumar, was arrested and later released on bail as inquiries continue. Police say both investigations remain active.
The complaints add to a broader global push to curb fraud tied to visas and migration services. In the United States 🇺🇸, federal prosecutors in June–July 2025 charged two Texas residents and two business entities with conspiracy to defraud the government, visa fraud, money laundering, and racketeering in schemes touching the EB-2, EB-3, and H-1B categories. Court filings say penalties could reach up to 20 years in prison if convicted; for one defendant, denaturalization is also possible under federal law.
In a separate civil matter, Indian management consulting firm Mu Sigma agreed to pay $2.5 million to resolve claims it misused B1 visas, underpaid workers using India-based wages while they worked in the U.S., and forced unlawful bond contracts tied to H-1B costs.
New York City, meanwhile, passed what local leaders call the country’s most robust city law against immigration legal services fraud, including “notario” scams. As of June 30, 2025, civil penalties have doubled, and the city has expanded public education to help immigrants spot danger signs before losing money or status. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the steps in Chandigarh and New York reflect a shared goal: push dishonest actors out of the market and steer families toward licensed lawyers and regulated advisers.
Local cases in Chandigarh: what happened
In the first Chandigarh case, police say a client paid ₹50,000 to Beant Singh of Can Visa Consultancy for a Canadian tourist visa that never came through. The client reported no service and no refund.
In the second case, officers alleged Pardeep Kumar ran an immigration office without a valid license. He was arrested and then released on bail pending further investigation.
Officials have not released additional statements, but both FIRs remain open and more steps may follow.
These local actions carry real weight for families who often save for months to pay consulting fees and rely on promises of quick approvals or “guaranteed” results.
When a firm disappears or a case fails, the consequences go beyond money: delayed studies, missed job opportunities, postponed family visits, overstay risk, or false filings. Local enforcement gives clients a clearer path to recover funds and may deter future cheating by unlicensed operators.
How complaints are usually handled locally
Residents who believe they were misled usually start at a neighborhood police station—Sector 34 or Sector 17 stations often handle such complaints—where an FIR triggers a formal probe.
Police actions can include:
– Arresting suspects
– Seeking business records and communication logs
– Pushing cases to prosecution if evidence supports charges
Often, bail is granted while cases proceed. Victims should keep:
– Receipts and contracts
– Message histories and correspondence
– Any proof of payment
These items help investigators map transactions and identify recipients of funds.
U.S. indictments and New York laws: the bigger picture
The Chandigarh actions mirror high-profile cases in the U.S. Federal indictments filed in June–July 2025 describe a network that allegedly submitted sham EB-2 and EB-3 petitions and manipulated H-1B filings to bring or keep foreign nationals in the U.S. unlawfully.
Prosecutors allege crimes including:
– Conspiracy to defraud the government
– Visa fraud
– Money laundering
– Racketeering
Potential penalties include:
– Prison terms of up to 20 years
– Forfeiture of assets and fines
– Possible denaturalization for affected defendants
Separately, Mu Sigma’s $2.5 million settlement resolved claims it misused B1 business visitor visas, coached staff to misstate facts to authorities, and tied H-1B workers to illegal bond agreements.
Federal agencies involved in these matters include:
– USCIS
– ICE
– FBI
– State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service
– Department of Labor
These agencies emphasize fair hiring and the integrity of the visa process. In line with White House directives, ICE said in June 2025 it would suspend worksite raids in certain industries unless major crimes are suspected, while continuing to pursue fraud cases.
New York City: stronger penalties and outreach
New York City passed Intros 205-A and 980-A, which:
– Double civil penalties for immigration legal services fraud
– Expand funding for outreach via community groups such as La Colmena, Mixteca, and NICE
– Target repeat offenders and notario fraud (nonlawyers posing as attorneys)
City leaders say the rules are designed to build trust so immigrants feel safer reporting abuse.
Practical steps for consumers — reduce your risk
People seeking help with visas or study abroad can take practical precautions:
- Check credentials
- Verify the provider is licensed or registered.
- In India: ask for proof of registration and verify with local authorities.
- In the U.S.: only licensed attorneys or accredited representatives can offer legal advice.
- Avoid guarantees
- Be wary of claims of “guaranteed” approvals. No firm or lawyer can promise a visa.
- Keep records
- Ask for receipts and written contracts.
- Keep copies of all communications and application materials.
- Use traceable payments
- Pay by bank transfer, card, or other traceable methods.
- Avoid large cash payments without official receipts.
- Report fraud quickly
- In the U.S., report suspected immigration fraud using the USCIS Tip Form: https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-your-form/uscis-tip-form
Warnings for immigration firms
Authorities are signaling clear consequences:
– In India: running an unlicensed office or taking fees for services not provided can lead to FIRs, arrest, and prosecution.
– In the U.S.: visa fraud can result in long prison terms, forfeiture, and denaturalization in some cases.
– In New York: doubled civil penalties and enhanced enforcement target repeat offenders and notario schemes.
Firms that follow rules, disclose limits, and avoid false claims protect both clients and their professional licenses.
The human cost is central: students scouting schools, workers seeking legal H-1B paths, and parents saving to visit children abroad all suffer when scams intervene.
Current status and what to expect
- Chandigarh authorities say both local cases remain under investigation.
- U.S. indictments are pending trial.
- Mu Sigma’s settlement is finalized and includes compliance monitoring.
- New York City’s stronger penalties and education programs are now in effect.
As enforcement grows, expect:
– More background checks
– Tighter audits
– Stronger coordination between police, prosecutors, and community groups
For families and employers, the safest path remains:
– Work with licensed professionals
– Ask hard questions
– Keep good records
This Article in a Nutshell
On August 14, 2025, Chandigarh police opened two FIRs after alleged immigration fraud. One client lost ₹50,000; another office operated without a license. The cases parallel U.S. indictments and New York reforms, underscoring global action against visa scams and urging clients to use licensed, traceable services to avoid harm.
