India's Enforcement Directorate has lodged a chargesheet against Red Leaf Immigration and several associates for orchestrating a massive US visa fraud. The scheme involved fake academic credentials, fabricated financial statements, and temporary fund placements to deceive U.S. authorities.
Key Takeaways
- ED files chargesheet against Red Leaf Immigration, Overseas Partner and Infowiz
- Fraud involved forged certificates, fake financial statements and temporary fund transfers
- Alleged proceeds total around ₹2.14 crore, assets frozen
New Delhi, July 15, 2026 – The Enforcement Directorate (ED) of India has submitted a prosecution complaint against Red Leaf Immigration Private Limited and multiple co‑accused for an alleged organized visa fraud targeting U.S. student and visitor visas. The complaint, filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), alleges a systematic scheme to produce and submit forged educational documents, fabricated work‑experience certificates, and bogus proof of funds.
Investigation Triggered by Diplomatic Complaints
Police in Punjab and Delhi registered several FIRs after the United States Embassy in New Delhi flagged suspicious visa applications. Those complaints prompted the ED to launch a probe, culminating in a chargesheet that cites conspiracy, money‑laundering and fraud under multiple PMLA provisions.
How the Scam Operated
According to the agency, the operation was spearheaded by Amandeep Singh and Poonam Rani, who ran Red Leaf Immigration as a “systematic immigration fraud racket.” They allegedly charged applicants roughly ₹40,000 each for forged academic credentials, fabricated experience letters, gap‑cover documents and short‑term fund arrangements designed to satisfy visa eligibility criteria.
Another entity, Overseas Partner run by Ankur Kumar Kehar, in collusion with Rudra Consultancy Services (headed by Nitin Vij), allegedly deposited about ₹40 lakh in applicants’ bank accounts for a brief period, creating a false impression of financial capability. This temporary fund placement was withdrawn immediately after the visa officer’s verification.
Seizure of Assets and Financial Impact
In February 2025, the ED conducted raids on multiple premises and lockers linked to the accused, seizing digital devices, diaries documenting illegal transactions, ₹19 lakh in unaccounted cash, and a one‑kilogram gold bar. The agency estimates the total proceeds from the scam at roughly ₹2.14 crore, breaking down as ₹1.37 crore from Red Leaf Immigration, ₹61.60 lakh from Overseas Partner and Rudra Consultancy, and ₹15 lakh from Infowiz Software Solution. All assets of equivalent value have been provisionally attached and frozen.
Broader Implications
This high‑profile case underscores the growing nexus between immigration services and financial crime in India. Legal experts argue that stringent enforcement will deter similar schemes, protect genuine applicants, and reinforce India’s commitment to international compliance. Moreover, the crackdown may prompt U.S. immigration authorities to tighten verification processes, potentially reshaping the landscape of student and visitor visa applications.