The Panchkula Police have uncovered a major immigration fraud involving false promises of a New Zealand work visa, arresting three accused, including the alleged mastermind, and recovering ₹5 lakh in cash. The action is part of an ongoing crackdown on gangs cheating people under the guise of overseas employment. Reported by Tribune News.
According to police, the case came to light after a Panchkula resident approached the office of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Srishti Gupta, alleging that during May–June 2024, the accused had taken ₹15 lakh from him on the promise of sending his son to New Zealand on a work visa. The complainant said he was misled for several months and when his son was not sent abroad, the accused began evading repayment of the money.
DCP Srishti Gupta said that based on the complaint, a case was registered on May 27, 2025, under Sections 420, 406, 120-B and 201 of the Indian Penal Code, along with Section 24 of the Immigration Act. The investigation was handed over to the Anti-Immigration Fraud Unit.
During the probe, police first arrested Neeraj, a resident of Ambala district, on September 10. He was produced in court the next day and taken on four days’ police remand. Interrogation revealed that the cheated amount had been transferred to the account of another accused, understanding to be the prime conspirator. Raids were conducted at multiple locations, though the main accused initially managed to evade arrest.
After sustained efforts, police conducted a raid on December 9 and arrested the mastermind, Shailendra Kumar alias Shail, a resident of Kanpur district in Uttar Pradesh. He was produced before a court on December 10 and remanded to five days’ police custody. His bail plea before the Punjab and Haryana High Court was later dismissed.
Further investigation revealed that Shailendra Kumar had been operating an unlicensed firm, “The Man Power”, in Noida for the past five years and was allegedly cheating people by promising overseas placements.
The probe also revealed that part of the cheated money had been transferred to the account of Saddam Hussain Ansari. Acting on this lead, police carried out raids in West Bengal and arrested him on December 12. He was produced before a court on December 14 and remanded to seven days’ police custody. During the operation, ₹5 lakh in cash was recovered from his possession.
After completion of interrogation, Shailendra Kumar was sent to judicial custody. DCP Srishti Gupta said the operation was carried out by the Anti-Immigration Fraud Unit under the supervision of Inspector Yogvinder Singh, with investigating officer Jagpal Singh, ASI Deepak Kumar, woman constable Poonam and the Cyber Cell team playing key roles.
Police said the investigation is still ongoing and the involvement of additional accused has surfaced, with more arrests likely in the coming days.
The Panchkula Police have urged the public to remain cautious and avoid unauthorised agents or firms offering overseas opportunities, and to report any suspicious activity immediately.
“The Panchkula Police have a clear policy against networks cheating youngsters in the name of overseas opportunities. Such offenders will not escape under any circumstances. Protecting the hard-earned money and future of our youth is our priority. With this commitment, we will continue to take even stricter action against such gangs,” said ADGP Sibash Kabiraj, Police Commissioner, Panchkula-cum-Chairman, Illegal Migration Matters, Haryana.
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