Panchkula Police Arrests Mastermind in Rs 12.30 Lakh Immigration Fraud After Two-Year Hunt
The Panchkula police have arrested the alleged mastermind of a Rs 12.30 lakh immigration fraud, nearly two years after the case was registered. The accused, identified as Azad Singh of Panipat, was intercepted at Amritsar airport on Thursday while allegedly attempting to flee to Malaysia, police said.
The case was registered at Raipur Rani police station on March 7, 2024, under Sections 406 (criminal breach of trust), 420 (cheating) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code, and Section 24 of the Immigration Act. The victim, a resident of Panchkula, was duped on the promise of being sent legally to the United States.
According to the police, the accused allegedly used the illegal ‘Dunki’ route, routing the victim through Dubai and Armenia instead of providing a lawful passage to the US. The victim reportedly paid Rs 12.30 lakh for the promised services.
A Look-Out Circular (LOC) issued against Azad Singh led to his detention at the airport. A team from the Anti-Emigration Fraud Unit brought him to Panchkula after completing legal formalities. On Friday, a local court granted the police three days’ remand for further interrogation.
Police are investigating the full extent of the fraud network and any accomplices involved. The arrest is part of ongoing efforts to curb immigration fraud in the region.
