₹22 lakh lost in Surat immigration scam highlights growing fraud risks
On April 15, 2024, a young man in Surat became the latest victim of a large-scale immigration fraud, losing ₹22 lakh to a fake agency that promised work permits for Canada. The incident involved Sky Macrone Immigration, an unregistered agency operating from Surat city’s Sola area, which falsely assured the victim, Rajan Gajjar, a work visa and employment abroad.
Details of the Immigration Fraud Case in Surat
According to the Sahakar Nagar police, Rajan Gajjar, an employee at a pharmaceutical company based in Surat’s Varachha area, was drawn to Sky Macrone Immigration through a Facebook advertisement in early March 2024. The advertisement promised hassle-free Canadian work permits for ₹25 lakh. Mr. Gajjar visited the agency’s office and met four individuals: Jenil Prajapati, Rajesh Shah, Ankita Mistry, and Vikas Mistry.
The accused assured Mr. Gajjar that the entire process, including documentation, visa application, and job placement, would be completed within three months. Trusting them, Mr. Gajjar paid ₹22 lakh in installments, but the agency failed to deliver any legitimate documentation or visa approvals. When he sought clarification, the accused avoided contact.
Following a complaint filed on April 14, the Sahakar Nagar police registered a First Information Report (FIR) under sections 420 (cheating) and 406 (criminal breach of trust) of the Indian Penal Code. The police have begun investigations, including digital forensics on the agency’s online advertisements and bank transactions.
Who Is Affected and How This Scam Impacts Gujarat’s Youth
Young professionals from Surat and surrounding districts such as Navsari and Valsad are particularly vulnerable to such scams due to their eagerness to secure overseas jobs, especially in countries like Canada, which has favourable immigration policies for skilled workers. Many individuals, including recent graduates and mid-career workers, invest significant savings or take loans to fund these aspirations.
The financial loss of ₹22 lakh can ruin families, especially in lower-middle-class communities where such sums represent years of earnings. Beyond monetary loss, victims face emotional distress, loss of trust, and disruption of career plans. The scam also tarnishes the reputation of legitimate immigration consultants operating within Gujarat, complicating the process for genuine applicants.
Why Such Fraudulent Agencies Flourish in Gujarat
Gujarat’s economic growth and the rising demand for skilled foreign employment create lucrative opportunities for unscrupulous operators. The absence of a centralised state-level registry for immigration consultants allows fake agencies to operate with relative impunity. Many victims rely on social media advertisements, which are often unregulated and lack verification of authenticity.
Additionally, limited public awareness about official immigration procedures and government-authorised agencies contributes to vulnerability. The Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Labour & Employment have guidelines on authorised foreign recruitment agencies, but these are not widely disseminated at the district level in Gujarat.
Authorities and Stakeholders Respond to the Immigration Fraud
The Sahakar Nagar police commissioner, Mr. Ramesh Patel, emphasised, “We are committed to cracking down on such fraudulent networks. Investigations are ongoing, and we urge citizens to verify credentials before engaging with immigration agents.”
The Gujarat State Consumer Protection Council has called for stricter regulation and public education campaigns. Immigration experts recommend consulting only agencies registered with the Ministry of External Affairs’ Emigration Check Required (ECR) list or accessing official portals such as emigration.nic.in.
Stakeholders also point out the need for improved digital monitoring of social media platforms to curb misleading advertisements. This incident mirrors other Gujarat scams, such as the ₹335 crore cyber fraud uncovered in Surat and the ₹40 lakh lawyer scam in Ahmedabad, underscoring systemic issues.
Practical Steps for Gujarat Residents to Avoid Immigration Scams
- Verify Agency Credentials: Confirm that the immigration consultant is registered with the Ministry of External Affairs or the Bureau of Immigration. Check their registration number and official website listings.
- Avoid Upfront Full Payments: Be cautious of agencies demanding large sums upfront. Legitimate agencies usually take payments in stages aligned with official fee structures.
- Use Official Channels: Apply for visas and work permits via the Government of Canada’s official portals or authorised visa application centres.
- Research and Reviews: Search for online reviews and complaints about the agency, and consult the Gujarat Consumer Helpline (1800-233-5500) for any registered grievances.
- Report Suspicious Activity: Immediately inform local police or the Cyber Crime Cell in Surat if you suspect fraudulent activity.
For more information, Gujarat residents can visit the Sahakar Nagar Police Station at Sola, Surat, or contact the Gujarat State Consumer Protection Council headquartered in Gandhinagar. The official portal for government-approved immigration agents is emigration.nic.in.
This recent case serves as a crucial warning to Gujarat’s youth and working professionals. Due diligence and awareness remain the best defence against such costly scams. Authorities continue to pursue the accused, aiming to recover funds and prevent future fraud.