MARDAN: Residents of Par Hoti area here the other day accused a local agent of a large-scale visa fraud, claiming that dozens of young people were deprived of millions of rupees through an alleged fake Canadian immigration scheme.

Speaking at a news conference at the Mardan Press Club, Shehinshah, Wajid, and other affected persons alleged that Saleem, a resident of Par Hoti, posed himself as an expert in overseas visas and immigration.

They said he lured citizens with promises of sending them to Canada and allegedly issued fake Canadian visas.

According to them, the suspect used a fake email account to present himself as affiliated with the Canadian embassy and collected large sums of money on the basis of it.

The affected individuals said the suspect specifically targeted young people seeking employment abroad, offering false promises of quick visa processing, job placement, and permanent residency.

They stated that at least 50 individuals from Mardan district were directly affected, while the total number of victims could be even higher.

The complainants alleged that the fraud resulted in the collection of millions of rupees, with the amount taken from Mardan residents alone possibly exceeding Rs250 million.

One affected person shared that, in hopes of a better future, many individuals even sold their homes, properties, and agricultural land, only to later discover that the documents they received were fake.

According to the people, given the seriousness of the matter, they submitted a formal complaint to the Federal Investigation Agency, after which the FIA Mardan office issued notices to the suspect.

However, they claimed the suspect had so far evaded arrest and remained in hiding.

They added that written complaints have also been submitted to the local police.

The affected persons further alleged that the suspect’s father and brother were also involved in the fraud and played a role in collecting money from people.

They stated that the suspect operated an English language centre and consultancy agency in Par Hoti, which was apparently used under the pretense of overseas education and employment, but in reality served as a front for the alleged fraud.

The victims appealed to the federal interior minister, the provincial government, the FIA, and other relevant authorities to take immediate legal action against the suspect and his accomplices, ensure their arrest, and recover the ‘looted’ money.

They also called for strict monitoring of immigration, recruitment, and consultancy agencies in the future to prevent such incidents and protect citizens from fraud.

Published in Dawn, April 30th, 2026