June 09, 2007	Saturday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 23, 1428

NEW DELHI. June 8: The US Embassy here has referred seven cases of visa fraud to Indian law enforcement for criminal investigation since June 1, an embassy statement said on Friday. These police referrals include all visa categories, including religious workers, temporary skilled workers (H1Bs), students, and general tourist/business travellers.

Addressing this subject, US Ambassador David C. Mulford said:

“Producing or submitting false papers is consumer fraud and a criminal act. Those who pay such brokers and submit false papers do so at great risk.” In the past year alone, the US Embassy has referred 57 separate individual visa fraud investigations to Indian law enforcement for further investigation or prosecution.

“While these 57 investigations include only the most egregious cases of visa fraud, US Embassy staff on a daily basis identify fraudulent visa applications utilising state of the art technology and sophisticated investigative techniques,” the embassy statement said.

Once an applicant has been caught committing fraud, he or she is generally barred from ever receiving a visa to the US.

“Indian citizens have been repeatedly cautioned against using fraudulent documents or seeking advice from unauthorised organisations individuals,” the embassy said.