SuratSurat: A 40-year-old graphic designer was allegedly cheated of Rs 5.18 lakh by a Vesu-based visa consultancy that promised her a job and work visa in Luxembourg. The firm allegedly issued her a fake job offer letter and later failed to refund her money, following which Vesu police registered an FIR against its two operators.In August 2024, Manisha Barot approached Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam Overseas Ltd in Vesu for a work permit to Luxembourg. Ravi Kanhalal, who identified himself as the firm’s director, allegedly assured her of a job and work permit for Rs 5.18 lakh. Barot paid Rs 1.18 lakh to Sachin Patel and Rs 4 lakh to Kanhalal’s account on August 23.On August 30, Patel signed an agreement with Barot, promising to arrange her work permit within six months. In December, Kanhalal informed her that her job had been sanctioned and sent her an offer letter stating that she had been selected as a graphic designer with Atlas Building Construction Ltd in Luxembourg. Barot signed the offer letter.On January 24, 2025, Patel allegedly told her that her job agreement from Luxembourg had also arrived. Barot signed the document and waited for the visa. However, in April, the accused told her that her work permit had not been sanctioned and assured her that her money would be refunded.The refund never materialised. Cheques issued by the accused in November 2025 as security also bounced. Barot subsequently got the offer letter verified and found it to be fake.After repeated assurances failed to yield a refund, Barot approached Vesu police and lodged a complaint against Patel and Kanhalal.
