ED files prosecution complaint in Jalandhar court in Rs 2.14-crore US visa fraud case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a prosecution complaint under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) before the Special Court (PMLA) in Jalandhar in connection with an alleged immigration and visa fraud case.

The complaint has been filed against Red Leaf Immigration Pvt Ltd, Amandeep Singh, Poonam Rani, Ankur Kumar Kehar, Nitin Vij, Kamaljot Kansal, M/s Overseas Partner and M/s Rudra Consultancy Services for their alleged involvement in laundering proceeds of crime generated through the organised fraud.

The ED initiated the investigation on the basis of multiple FIRs registered by the Punjab Police and Delhi Police on complaints lodged by the United States Embassy in New Delhi.

The FIRs relate to an alleged well-organised conspiracy involving the preparation and submission of forged educational certificates, fabricated experience certificates, fake financial statements and fraudulent proof of funds to obtain US student and visitor visas.

The investigation under the PMLA revealed that M/s Red Leaf Immigration Pvt Ltd, managed by Amandeep Singh and Poonam Rani, allegedly operated a systematic immigration fraud racket by targeting visa applicants who lacked the required academic qualifications or financial eligibility.

According to the ED, the accused 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 agency alleged that the entire visa application process, including communication with foreign universities and visa authorities, was controlled by the accused through email accounts operated by them.

The investigation further revealed that M/s Overseas Partner, operated by Ankur Kumar Kehar, in conspiracy with M/s Rudra Consultancy Services, operated by Nitin Vij, allegedly arranged temporary accommodation of funds in bank accounts of visa applicants to create a false impression of financial capability.

According to the ED, 154 visa applicants were provided fabricated proof of funds through this mechanism by depositing around Rs 40 lakh in applicants' bank accounts for a short duration before withdrawing the money. The accused allegedly charged around Rs 40,000 per applicant for providing such fraudulent fund arrangements.

The ED further alleged that M/s Infowiz Software Solution, operated by Kamaljot Kansal, prepared fabricated training, internship and experience certificates for visa applicants who had never undergone training or employment. Seized diaries and other incriminating records allegedly corroborated the preparation of fake employment documents in exchange for cash.

During the investigation, the ED conducted searches in February 2025 under Section 17 of the PMLA at multiple premises and lockers linked to the accused. The searches resulted in the seizure of incriminating documents, digital devices, diaries containing records of alleged illegal transactions, unaccounted cash worth Rs 19 lakh and a gold bar weighing about 1 kg.

The investigation also led to the identification of proceeds of crime generated through the alleged visa fraud and related money laundering activities.

The ED investigation quantified the proceeds of crime at about Rs 2.14 crore, including Rs 1.37 crore allegedly generated by M/s Red Leaf Immigration Pvt Ltd, Rs 61.60 lakh by M/s Overseas Partner and M/s Rudra Consultancy Services, and Rs 15 lakh by M/s Infowiz Software Solution.

During the course of the investigation, the ED provisionally attached and froze movable and immovable properties worth Rs 2.14 crore under the provisions of the PMLA. The attached assets include residential properties and bank balances allegedly representing proceeds of crime.