The Enforcement Directorate has launched a major investigation into to allereged illegal immigration of 4,300 Indians to the US between Year 2021 and 2024. Gujarat and Punjab-based agents are at the centre of a complex financial network fraud.
In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has brought to light a startling immigration scam involving over 4,300 Indians who illegally entered the United States between 2021 and 2024. According to the ED’s findings, the intricate web of transactions that enabled this unlawful migration was largely managed and controlled by immigration agents operating out of Gujarat and Punjab.
The Modus Operandi: A Well-Oiled Machine
The ED’s probe has revealed that these agents created a sophisticated financial structure to facilitate illegal immigration to Us. This involved hawala transactions, & forged documents, and the strategic routing of money through multiple bank accounts to obscure the trail. Many of these transactions were conducted under fake identities and , making it extremely difficult for authorities to track the origin of funds.
These illegal channels enabled people to bypass legitimate immigration routes by paying hefty sums ranging from ₹20 to ₹60 lakh in most cases. Most of the individuals involved were desperate to reach the US in search of better job opportunities and , often unaware of the risks and long-term consequences in those courties.
Why Only Gujarat and Punjab?
Both Gujarat and Punjab have long histories of high emigration rates, especially to countries like Canada, the UK, Australia, and the US. The dream of a better life abroad is deeply ingrained in certain communities, making them easy targets for fraudulent agents who exploit these aspirations to make easy money.
The ED noted that many of the people who attempted illegal immigration were from rural areas in India , where education is limited, and awareness of international legal protocols is often low. These factors contribute to their vulnerability, making them susceptible to exploitation by the agents.
Legal and Human Implications
The revelations from this probe carry serious legal implications not only for the agents but also for those who migrated illegally. Under Indian law, illegal immigration and financial fraud carry strict penalties. Moreover, if apprehended in the US, these individuals risk deportation, detention, or being barred from re-entry to other countries.
On a human level, this situation is tragic. Families often sell their land or take massive loans to fund the journey of a loved one to reach there, only to find themselves ruined financially if things go wrong. There have even been cases where migrants have gone missing or become victims of human trafficking once abroad.
Role of the Enforcement Directorate
The ED’s proactive involvement underlines the Indian government’s commitment to cracking down on illegal immigration and financial crimes. Sources within the agency revealed that multiple raids have already been conducted, and properties worth crores have been seized. Arrests are likely in the coming weeks, and international cooperation may be sought to trace the funds that have landed overseas in due course.
What’s Next?
The ED is expected to release a full report on this soon, and a nationwide crackdown on immigration rackets is anticipated. This may lead to stricter rules for travel agents and increased scrutiny of visa applications in the future .
For individuals planning to move abroad, the best advice is to avoid shortcuts and always go through legitimate, government-approved channels. The risks of illegal immigration are not only legal but also personal and financial.
Conclusion
The revelation that over 4,300 Indians were illegally sent to the US from 2021 to 2024 by agents from Gujarat and Punjab has raised serious concerns for the students. The Enforcement Directorate’s ongoing investigation highlights how deeply rooted and professionally operated such rackets have become. This case serves as a reminder that the allure of a foreign land should never outweigh the importance of legality, safety, and integrity.
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