Punjab Police intensifies crackdown on fraudulent travel agents amid rising US deportations, registers 10

In a decisive move against fraudulent immigration consultants, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Punjab Police has registered two more FIRs, taking the total count to 10 cases against travel agents accused of deceiving individuals with false promises of illegal entry into the United States.

The latest FIRs were lodged against agents who allegedly exploited desperate individuals, luring them with fake guarantees of a secure passage to the US, only for them to face deportation after arriving illegally.

New FIRs Target More Fraudulent Agents
The fresh FIRs include:

FIR No. 4 (dated 11/2/2025) against Jaskaran Singh, Mahinder Singh, Hardev Kaur, and Sujan Singh, all residents of Tahli in Tanda, District Hoshiarpur.
FIR No. 5 (dated 11/2/2025) against Agent Happy of Tanda (Hoshiarpur) and Agent Gill of Tarn Taran.
Both cases have been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Emigration Act at Police Station NRI Hoshiarpur.

Punjab Police Committed to Dismantling Immigration Fraud Networks

The SIT, led by ADGP NRI Affairs Praveen Sinha, has been actively investigating victims' complaints, recording statements from deported individuals, and gathering evidence against fraudulent immigration networks.

Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav reaffirmed Punjab Police’s commitment to cracking down on these fraudulent agents and ending the exploitation of innocent individuals seeking better opportunities abroad.

"We urge the public to come forward with any information that can aid in the arrest of these culprits. Public cooperation is essential to dismantling these fraudulent networks," said DGP Yadav. He also emphasized the need for greater awareness, cautioning individuals against falling prey to illegal immigration consultants.

Coordinated Action to Break the Network

According to ADGP Praveen Sinha, the NRI Affairs Wing and district police are working in close coordination to take swift and strict action against the culprits. He assured that all forward and backward linkages of these fraudulent networks will be thoroughly investigated and dismantled.

"We are committed to crippling the entire network of illegal immigration agents. No offender will be spared," Sinha stated.

Punjab Police Urges Citizens to Use Legal Immigration Channels

The Punjab Police strongly advises individuals seeking immigration services to only opt for licensed agents, verifying their credentials before making any financial commitments.

Earlier Crackdown on Illegal Immigration Ads
It is pertinent to note that in late 2024, Punjab Police’s NRI Affairs Wing and Cyber Crime Wing, in coordination with the Protectorate of Emigrants, Chandigarh, had booked 43 travel agencies for illegally advertising job opportunities abroad on social media without the requisite licenses.

As Punjab continues its crackdown on fraudulent immigration practices, authorities have vowed to bring all culprits to justice while ensuring the protection of innocent individuals from immigration scams.