Residents of Mardan have raised serious allegations against a local individual accused of orchestrating a large-scale fake visa scam linked to Canada. The complainants claim that dozens of people were defrauded of millions of rupees through a fraudulent immigration scheme.
Speaking at a press conference at the Mardan Press Club, victims including Shehinshah and Wajid alleged that the suspect presented himself as a professional immigration consultant capable of arranging overseas visas. According to them, he promised employment opportunities and permanent residency abroad, particularly targeting young individuals seeking a better future.
The victims claim that the suspect used forged documents and fake email communications to create the impression of official connections with Canadian authorities. Many individuals reportedly paid large sums of money after being assured of quick visa processing and guaranteed travel arrangements.
According to the affected residents, at least 50 individuals from the district have been directly impacted, with total financial losses estimated to exceed Rs250 million. Several victims stated that they sold property, land, and personal assets in hopes of relocating abroad, only to later discover that the visas and documents were fake.
The complainants said they have formally approached the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), which has issued notices to the accused. However, they allege that the suspect has gone into hiding and has so far avoided arrest. Separate complaints have also been lodged with local police authorities.
Victims further alleged that the suspect’s family members were involved in collecting money and managing the operation. They claimed the accused was running an English language centre and consultancy service as a front for the alleged fraud.
The affected individuals have urged authorities, including the federal interior ministry and provincial government, to take immediate action, arrest those involved, and recover the lost money. They also called for stricter regulation of immigration and consultancy agencies to prevent similar scams in the future.
The case highlights growing concerns over visa fraud schemes in Pakistan, where vulnerable individuals are often targeted with false promises of overseas employment and settlement opportunities.
