Ahmedabad: A 35-year-old private company employee from Ranip has approached the Vadaj police, alleging that he was cheated of Rs 12 lakh by an immigration consultant who promised to arrange a Finland work visa and job placement. The accused was operating from an office located in Usmanpura, police said.According to the complaint, the man has been working in the HR and administration department of a private firm for the past six years. Aspiring to move to Europe on a work permit in 2024, he was introduced to the immigration consultant by a colleague. During a meeting held in July 2024, the consultant allegedly claimed that he regularly arranged 10 to 15 European work permit visas every month and could secure employment in any of the top five European countries. The complainant stated that he was assured that once the payment was completed, the visa would be issued and handed over. Trusting the assurances, he submitted original documents including his passport, Aadhaar card, PAN card, educational certificates, his birth certificate, and work experience papers. He also handed over a signed blank cheque as security, as demanded by the consultant. In Sep 2024, the consultant allegedly showed him an offer letter for a hotel receptionist position in Finland. He was subsequently informed that his visa had been approved and that a Finnish residence permit card had arrived. A photograph of the purported card was shared with him through WhatsApp to reinforce the claim. Believing the representations made, the complainant transferred Rs 12 lakh in multiple online transactions in Nov to bank accounts provided by the accused. He was also sent screenshots of a website entry and an air ticket and was told that his departure scheduled for Dec 25 was final. However, doubts arose when the complainant contacted Finnish authorities via email and received a response stating that the residence permit card and related documents “can strongly be doubted.” When he confronted the consultant, the accused allegedly avoided him and neither arranged valid travel documents nor refunded the money. Although his original documents were later returned by courier, Rs 12 lakh remains unpaid. Police have registered a case and initiated further investigation. Job trap The consultant, based in Usmanpura, promised Finland job and visa citing regular European placements The complainant submitted his passport, Aadhaar, PAN, and a signed cheque Fake offer letter and residence permit card shared online Rs 12 lakh transferred online after consultant confirmed Dec departure date Finland authorities said permit documents doubtful, prompting a police complaint
