Chandigarh, February 19, 2025: The Punjab Police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by ADGP NRI Affairs Praveen Sinha, has stepped up its crackdown on fraudulent immigration consultants, registering five new FIRs and arresting two more travel agents involved in human trafficking scams.
With these latest actions, the total number of FIRs in the ongoing probe has risen to 15, while the number of arrests has reached three. The agents in question allegedly deceived victims by promising legal entry into the United States, only to send them through illegal and dangerous routes, leading to their deportation.
New FIRs Across Multiple Districts
The fresh cases, registered on February 17 and 18, span across Tarn Taran, SAS Nagar, Moga, and Sangrur. Investigations reveal that these agents charged hefty sums while exposing victims to inhumane conditions, detention, and eventual deportation.
Tarn Taran (FIR No. 25, dated 17/02/2025): A Chandigarh- and Yamuna Nagar-based agent took ₹44 lakh from a victim, promising a legal U.S. visa but instead sent him through Nicaragua and Mexico.
SAS Nagar (FIR No. 19, dated 17/02/2025): Agents Mukul and Gurjinder Antaal misled a victim, extorting ₹45 lakh, and routed him through Colombia and Mexico.
Moga (FIR No. 30, dated 18/02/2025): Sukhwinder Singh, Talwinder Singh, Pritam Kaur, and Gurpreet Singh—linked to Ekam Travels, Chandigarh—took ₹45 lakh under the false pretense of a direct U.S. work permit but instead sent the victim via Prague, Spain, and El Salvador.
Sangrur (FIR No. 15, dated 18/02/2025): Angrej Singh and Jagjit Singh from Haryana ran a visa fraud, taking ₹50 lakh for a Canada visa but sending the victim through Egypt, Dubai, Spain, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.
Goindwal Sahib (FIR No. 95, dated 18/02/2025): Delhi-based agent Goldy took ₹45 lakh, promising legal U.S. entry but instead sent the victim through illegal channels.
Arrests and Investigation Progress
Two accused, Angrej Singh and Jagjit Singh, have been arrested by Sangrur Police, adding to a previous arrest by NRI Police Station, Patiala. Authorities continue to track other fugitives.
Coordinated Action Against Human Trafficking Networks
The SIT is working closely with cybercrime units, financial agencies, and central authorities to trace the complete network of human traffickers. Police teams have also begun freezing bank accounts linked to the illegal immigration racket.
DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav reaffirmed the force’s commitment to dismantling these syndicates, urging victims to come forward without fear. The public is advised to consult only licensed immigration consultants and verify credentials before making any payments.
The Punjab Police seeks active public cooperation in identifying and reporting unauthorized travel agents exploiting vulnerable individuals.
