Punjab Travel Agent Arrested for Fake Guatemala Visa Scam at IGI Airport

A Punjab-based travel agent was arrested at IGI Airport for arranging a fake Guatemala visa for a deportee. More suspects are being hunted while the police advise travelers to verify their documents with authorized agencies.

A Punjab-based travel agent was arrested by Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport Police on Sunday for arranging a fake Guatemala visa for a passenger, according to authorities. The accused, Dharampreet Singh (24), along with associates, had secured a visa for Gurjas Singh (27).

Gurjas Singh, who arrived at the IGI airport on July 23 as a deportee from the Netherlands, was denied boarding to Canada. An inspection of his documents revealed he had affixed a fake visa to his passport, as per a press release from the IGI Airport Police. An FIR has been lodged against him.

Investigations uncovered that Gurjas Singh, with only a Class 10 education, sought a better livelihood abroad. He contacted Dharampreet, a distant relative, who, along with partner Sunny Mann, advised him to create a travel history, charging Rs 5 lakh.

Gurjas traveled to Dubai and Malaysia before meeting agent Pawan in Malaysia through Dharampreet, who arranged his fake Guatemala visa. Suspecting the visa's validity, Gurjas consulted Dharampreet who led him to Karan Kapoor for another Canada visa for an additional Rs 5 lakh.

While traveling to Canada via the Netherlands, immigration officials detected the fake visa and deported Gurjas back to Delhi. Subsequently, the police apprehended Dharampreet in Punjab. The investigation continues to trace the involvement of other agents and scrutinize bank accounts.

IGI police have urged passengers to verify documents through authorized agencies to avoid fraud. Travelers are advised to ensure the authenticity of their agents and documents to dodge legal issues and travel interruptions.

(With inputs from agencies.)