Police in Panchkula, Haryana, have arrested five suspects—including a national-level boxer—in connection with an interstate racket that allegedly swindled at least eight job-seekers out of INR 4.8 million (€53,000). The gang promised work visas for Italy, Finland and Australia, using forged passports, embassy stamps and Finnish residence cards to appear legitimate.
During raids officers seized 40 Indian passports, four Finnish TRC cards, multiple cheque books, €7,500 in cash and several forged rubber stamps. Investigators say the group advertised on social media and targeted young men from Punjab and Haryana desperate to migrate.
![Indian police bust visa-fraud ring selling fake job permits for Italy]()
Italian consular sources told The Indian Express that demand for appointments has surged since Rome expanded its work-visa quotas, creating fertile ground for fraudsters. The Embassy reiterated that no third-party agency can guarantee a visa and that applicants should use the official Prenota Online system.
The case underscores the reputational risk for Italian employers who rely on overseas recruiters. Legal experts recommend auditing partners and issuing offer letters only after candidates receive a verified visa sticker. Mobility teams should also warn incoming hires that Italian authorities biometrically verify long-stay visas on arrival, making forged documents easy to detect.
Under Indian law, the accused face up to seven years in prison for cheating and forgery; additional charges may follow if victims are identified in other states. Italian authorities have been alerted through Interpol channels.
During raids officers seized 40 Indian passports, four Finnish TRC cards, multiple cheque books, €7,500 in cash and several forged rubber stamps. Investigators say the group advertised on social media and targeted young men from Punjab and Haryana desperate to migrate.
Italian consular sources told The Indian Express that demand for appointments has surged since Rome expanded its work-visa quotas, creating fertile ground for fraudsters. The Embassy reiterated that no third-party agency can guarantee a visa and that applicants should use the official Prenota Online system.
The case underscores the reputational risk for Italian employers who rely on overseas recruiters. Legal experts recommend auditing partners and issuing offer letters only after candidates receive a verified visa sticker. Mobility teams should also warn incoming hires that Italian authorities biometrically verify long-stay visas on arrival, making forged documents easy to detect.
Under Indian law, the accused face up to seven years in prison for cheating and forgery; additional charges may follow if victims are identified in other states. Italian authorities have been alerted through Interpol channels.
