VFS Employees Forge Canada Visa Letters, 28 People Duped

VFS Global, a renowned outsourcing company serving foreign governments and diplomatic missions worldwide, finds itself embroiled in yet another visa scandal.

Recent investigations have uncovered a case of forged Canadian visa appointment letters at the VFS Ahmedabad office, resulting in serious legal consequences.

The Allegations

Two current employees and a former staff member of VFS Global stand accused of engaging in fraudulent activities by forging Canadian visa appointment letters for 28 applicants and unlawfully recording their biometric data with VFS Ahmedabad.

This revelation has prompted authorities to file an official complaint in Ahmedabad against the individuals involved.

Unravelling the Scandal

The Canadian High Commission brought this matter to VFS’s attention on July 5, notifying them that no visa appointment letters were issued by the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) office for 20 applicants whose biometrics were registered for Canadian visas at VFS Ahmedabad.

Ordinarily, applicants initiate the visa process by submitting their details through the IRCC website. Subsequently, their biometrics are recorded at the VFS office, after which the IRCC issues an official appointment letter.

However, the accused in this case bypassed this standard procedure and deceived the applicants by providing them with counterfeit appointment letters.

The Culprits Revealed

The individuals implicated in this scam have been identified as VFS employees Sohil Diwan and Melvyn Christi, along with a former employee, Mehul Bharwad.

Incriminating evidence, including CCTV footage, captured Diwan and Christi tampering with biometric records in the absence of any other office personnel.

Sources suggest that the accused collected sums ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,000 from each applicant.

A Disturbing Trend

Regrettably, this incident reflects a growing trend where unsuspecting visa applicants fall victim to deceptive third-party entities exploiting the high demand for outbound travel from India. Just a month ago, VFS security at their Delhi office apprehended seven applicants who attempted to enter with forged visa appointment letters for Italy.

VFS Global’s Response

Prabuddha Sen, the Chief Operating Officer of South Asia at VFS Global, expressed his concern over the matter. He emphasized the need for vigilance to prevent similar instances and protect genuine applicants from falling prey to such scams.

Conclusion

The unfolding scandal surrounding the forged Canadian visa appointment letters has raised serious questions about the security and integrity of visa application processes. Authorities are now focused on bringing the culprits to justice and implementing measures to safeguard the interests of genuine visa seekers.

As this issue continues to unfold, it serves as a stark reminder for applicants to remain cautious and vigilant while engaging with third-party visa service providers.