Ahmedabad man mortgages house, loses ₹27L to Canada work permit fraud

Ahmedabad: A complaint has been filed with Bodakdev police against the directors and staff of a visa consultancy firm in Thaltej for allegedly cheating a man seeking a Canadian work permit.According to the FIR registered on Tuesday, the complainant approached the consultancy in July 2024 after seeing its Instagram advertisements offering overseas job opportunities. During meetings at the firm’s office, its representatives allegedly assured him they could secure a Canadian work permit within 6 to 7 months through a legal process.The complainant alleged that the firm first collected Rs 56,000 as registration fees and took copies of his educational, passport and financial documents. The consultancy later arranged an appointment for a police clearance certificate and advised him to prepare for the IELTS exam.In Oct 2024, he was allegedly made to sign a contract and asked to transfer 10,010 Canadian dollars. Of this, 9,510 Canadian dollars was allegedly sent to a Canadian bank account linked to the company.Weeks later, he received a labour market impact assessment letter that was valid until Feb 24, 2025. The FIR alleges that the consultants deliberately failed to submit his work permit application before the document expired.

When he sought a fresh document, he was allegedly asked to make further payments.In March 2025, the consultants allegedly informed him that his visa had been approved and sent him a video as proof. They then demanded the remaining payment and assured him that a passport request letter would follow.Believing the claim, the complainant mortgaged his house and raised a loan. He paid another Rs 20 lakh through cheques routed to different bank accounts. But the promised work permit was never issued.The complainant also alleged that refund cheques later given by the firm were dishonoured. Bodakdev police registered a complaint of cheating, criminal breach of trust and abetment.