Valsad Visa Scam Exposed: ₹76 Lakh Fraudster Arrested at Mumbai Airport After Fleeing to Dubai; 5 Dreams Shattered

Breaking News: A shocking case of betrayal has come to light in Valsad district, shattering the dreams of innocent citizens aspiring to settle abroad.

A sophisticated gang that lured people with promises of a bright future overseas and swindled lakhs of rupees has been busted. The mastermind behind the massive ₹76 Lakh Visa Fraud in Valsad, who had fled to Dubai to escape the law, has been dramatically arrested.

In a scene straight out of a Bollywood thriller, the Valsad Police nabbed the accused the moment he landed at Mumbai Airport. His return to India marked the end of his run from the law.

The investigation has revealed that the scam was not limited to just one woman; the fraudster had cheated at least four other individuals, creating a ripple of shock across the region.

Dreams of UK Turned into a Nightmare

The fraud came to light when Sonalben Patel, a 34-year-old resident of Dhanori village in Valsad taluka, filed a complaint. Like many others, she harbored a dream of securing a job in the United Kingdom (UK) to build a better future.

To fulfill this dream, she trusted an individual who, instead of helping her, looted her life’s savings. The fraudster had laid a meticulous trap.

Sonalben’s complaint at the Valsad Police Station blew the lid off the entire operation, exposing the dark underbelly of illegal immigration agents operating in the district.

The Facebook Connection: How It Started

The story began about a year and a half ago on Facebook. Sonalben was discussing her desire to work abroad with a friend on the social media platform.

The friend recommended a “reliable” contact named Gulam Bhai, claiming he was an expert in processing work visas. Trusting this referral, Sonalben approached the agent.

The accused, identified as Mahmad Gavas Abdul Majid Shaikh (alias Gulam Bhai), ran a posh office named ‘Alora Immigration’ located opposite the ST Workshop on Dharampur Road in Abrama, Valsad. The luxurious setup of the office was designed to deceive clients into believing it was a legitimate business.

The ₹20 Lakh Deal and Broken Promises

When Sonalben met Gulam Bhai, he quoted a total package of ₹20 Lakhs for a UK Work Visa. He laid down a payment structure:

• ₹10 Lakhs: Advance payment.
• ₹5 Lakhs: After visa approval.
• ₹5 Lakhs: After reaching the UK.

Trusting the process, Sonalben transferred ₹10 Lakhs via RTGS to the bank account of Mahmad Gavas on July 18, 2025. This transaction marked the beginning of the Valsad Visa Scam.

Once the money was received, the accused stopped processing the visa and started offering endless excuses and false promises.

Scope of the Scam: 5 Victims, ₹76 Lakhs

Frustrated by the delays and the refusal to return her money, Sonalben finally approached the police. As the investigation unfolded, the police discovered that Sonalben was not the only victim.

Police officials revealed that Mahmad Gavas had used the same modus operandi to cheat four other individuals. In total, he had swindled approximately ₹76 Lakhs from five aspiring emigrants under the pretext of providing work visas.

Authorities suspect that as news of his arrest spreads, more victims might come forward, potentially increasing the fraud amount.

Escape to Dubai and Lookout Notice

Realizing that the police were closing in on him after the complaints were filed, Mahmad Gavas shut down his operations and fled to Dubai.

However, the Valsad Police were relentless. Through technical surveillance and intelligence, they confirmed that the accused had left the country. To prevent him from evading justice permanently, the police immediately issued a Lookout Circular (LOC) against him.

This meant that all international airports in India were on high alert. If he ever tried to enter or leave India, the immigration system would instantly flag him.

Dramatic Arrest at Mumbai Airport

Mahmad Gavas likely assumed the heat had died down or underestimated the reach of the Valsad Police. He boarded a flight from Dubai to Mumbai.

The moment he landed at Mumbai International Airport and presented his passport at the immigration counter, the LOC flashed on the officer’s screen.

He was immediately detained by the airport security personnel, who informed the Valsad Police. A special team from Valsad rushed to Mumbai, took custody of the fraudster, and brought him back to Valsad for formal arrest.

Alora Immigration Sealed

The police have sealed the ‘Alora Immigration’ office in Abrama. Investigators are currently seizing documents to find out how many fake visa letters were issued and if any original passports of other clients are still in the office.

The police are also probing if Gulam Bhai had any local accomplices or connections within banks to facilitate the movement of the scammed money. The primary focus of the remand interrogation will be to trace the trail of the ₹76 Lakhs and recover the funds for the victims.

Red Alert for Visa Aspirants

This incident serves as a stark warning to all citizens planning to go abroad. The police have appealed to the public to verify the credentials of immigration agents before handing over large sums of money.

Even educated individuals like Sonalben fall prey to such schemes because fraudsters invest heavily in creating a facade of legitimacy. Authorities urge citizens to be wary of agents found via Facebook or social media without proper background checks.

Conclusion: No Escape from the Law

In conclusion, the arrest of Mahmad Gavas proves that the long arm of the law can reach anywhere, even across borders.

The Valsad Police deserve praise for their swift action in issuing the LOC, which was instrumental in catching the fugitive. The prompt response has not only brought a criminal to justice but has also prevented him from duping more innocent people.

For Sonalben and the other four victims, this arrest brings a glimmer of hope that their hard-earned money might be recovered.

#Valsad #VisaScam #FraudAlert #MumbaiAirport #Arrest #GujaratPolice #UKVisa #ImmigrationFraud #ValsadNews #CrimeUpdate #AloraImmigration #MahmadGavas #LookoutNotice #VapiUpdate #GJ15

📌 Note:
This article is published on OurVapi.com The information presented is based on public sources, local inputs, field observations, and the author’s independent assessment. It is intended to be useful primarily for readers from Vapi, Valsad, Umbergaon, Sarigam, Bhilad, Silvassa, Daman, and nearby regions.

The core objective of OurVapi.com is to deliver accurate, useful, factual, and verified information with a strong focus on local news, public awareness, culture, lifestyle, and community-related topics.

If you found this article helpful, please share it and leave your thoughts in the comments section.
Stay connected with OurVapi.com for reliable local news, updates, and community-focused content.