Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur
Kundapur, June 4: A case of financial fraud has been registered at Kundapura police station, where a local woman, Cecilia (63) from Vaderhobli village, has alleged that her son was cheated of Rs 16 lac by a Mangaluru-based firm promising a UK employment visa.
According to the complaint, Cecilia’s son, Sunil, came across an advertisement on Facebook by a firm named UK-IN-REGAL ACADEMY, located at #205, 2nd Floor, Inland Ornate, opposite Ocean Pearl Hotel, Kodialbail, Mangaluru – 575003.
The advertisement claimed to facilitate UK job visas. Upon contacting the firm, Sunil was assured that the visa would be processed within 90 days upon payment of Rs 16 lac.
Sunil visited the firm's office in Kodialbail and met the accused, identified as Suraj Joseph, who asked for an initial payment of Rs 2 lac in cash and the submission of necessary documents. The remaining Rs 14 lac was to be paid through subsequent transactions.
The complainant stated that on October 27, 2023, a sum of Rs 3 lac was transferred via bank from the complainant’s daughter’s account at Town Co-operative Bank, Udupi branch, to the firm’s Federal Bank account in Kannur. Later, on December 1, 2023, Rs 13 lac was transferred from the complainant’s Karnataka Bank account in Kundapura to the firm’s Axis Bank account.
Despite receiving the full payment, the firm failed to issue the promised visa. Repeated attempts to contact the accused went unanswered as his phone remained switched off. Upon visiting the office again on March 20, 2024, the complainant met Suraj Joseph, who issued a stamped and signed document promising either visa delivery within three months or a full refund within six months.
When the refund was not issued even after the promised period, the complainant revisited the office. The accused then issued a cheque for Rs 16 lac dated October 3, 2024, in Sunil’s name. However, the cheque bounced on December 16, 2024, due to insufficient funds.
Based on the complaint and supporting documents, a Zero FIR (No. 01/2025) has been registered at Kundapura police station under sections 318(4) and 316(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Police are investigating the case.