Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jun 29: A case of cheating has been registered at Port police station after a local firm allegedly took Rs 16 lac from a customer on the pretext of securing a UK work visa for his son.

According to the complaint, UK Regal Academy, based in Kodialbail, had advertised UK job visas on Facebook. After seeing the post, the complainant approached the office to arrange a visa for his son.

Staff member Suraj Joseph reportedly told the complainant that a work visa would be delivered within 90 days if an advance of Rs 16 lac was paid. During the first visit, Joseph accepted Rs 2 lac in cash and checked the applicant’s documents. He then repeatedly pressed for the balance, warning that the visa process would be cancelled if the payment was delayed.

The complainant transferred Rs 3 lac to the firm’s bank account on 27 Oct 2023 and another Rs 13 lac on 1 Dec 2023. Shortly afterwards, Joseph switched off his phone.

When the complainant visited the office on 20 Mar 2024, Joseph put his assurance in writing: either the visa would arrive within three months or the full amount would be refunded within six months. The deadline passed with neither the visa nor a refund.

On 3 Oct 2024 the complainant again met Joseph, who issued a cheque for Rs 16 lac. The cheque bounced on 16 Dec 2024 due to insufficient funds.

With no refund forthcoming, the victim filed a complaint at Port police station, where a case has now been registered. Police have begun an investigation into the alleged visa fraud.