US visa fraud in Bangladesh has become a growing concern in recent years. Many individuals in Bangladesh have been caught selling fraudulent entry and exit stamps to US visa applicants. These fraudulent events led to arrests and investigations by local police in coordination with the US Embassy in Dhaka. The US Embassy also issued a statement on January 20, 2023, condemning these fraudulent activities.
How the visa fraud cartel works
The visa fraud cartel operates by providing fraudulent documents and information to individuals who are applying for a US visa.
The cartel typically consists of individuals or organizations that have connections within the visa application process, such as travel agencies or visa brokers. They offer their services to individuals who are looking to increase their chances of obtaining a US visa.
The case of the Traveler’s Diary and Happy Holidays
On January 18, 2023, Police arrested six individuals for selling fraudulent US visa documents in Bangladesh. The arrests were made after an official of the US Embassy in Dhaka filed a case with the Gulshan police station in Dhaka on January 18, 2023. The individuals arrested include Palash Chandra Saha, Wahid Uddin, Mahbubur Rahman, Shafiqul Islam Sumon, Abu Zafar, and Arifur Rahman.
According to the Gulshan police station officer-in-charge, ABM Farman Ali, some of the arrested individuals cheated to obtain US visas for themselves, while others tried to secure visas for another person.
DB Chief Harun-or-Rashid informed that the police also tracked down and arrested the owners of two travel agencies, Traveler’s Diary and Happy Holidays.
The agencies first made a deal with the applicant for Tk 10 lakhs to 15 lakhs for visa processing. Fake visas for the Maldives, Malaysia, and Cambodia were stamped into the passports to secure US visas, showing that the applicants had foreign travel histories. The travel agents also put fake immigration seals on the passports as proof of visiting countries. They later scheduled an appointment between the applicant and the US embassy to get a real US visa, he added.
According to the case statement, applicant Palash went to the embassy for a visa interview on November 12, 2022, as he had fake visas for the Maldives and Malaysia stamped in his passport. Mahbub also made the same arrangement. They later confessed to visa officials that the stamps were fake.
Kathak Academy Case
In April, 2023, three individuals, Abul Kashem Sheikh (55), Bakhtiar Hossain (35), and Md Nazrul Islam (45), were arrested by the detective branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police for alleged visa fraud and human trafficking to the United States. They carried out these fraudulent activities through a fictitious company named ‘Kathak Academy,’ falsely claiming to have special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
Additionally, 31 passports used for human trafficking to different countries, including the US, Germany, Japan, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, and France, were seized from Abul Kashem’s residence.
The cyber and special crime division of the detective branch revealed that Kathak Academy would obtain invitation letters for participation in various UN conferences by submitting fake documents to the organization’s headquarters. Subsequently, using these invitation letters in different individuals’ names, the company applied for US visas with fraudulent papers. In exchange for securing these visas, Kathak Academy charged individuals Tk 10-12 lakh each.
How to avoid visa fraud
There are several steps that individuals can take to avoid falling victim to visa fraud.
Applicants should research the visa application process and ensure that the information and documents provided are accurate and truthful. The US embassy in its statement emphasized that visa applicants are responsible for the information provided on their application forms and any supporting documents they submit. The embassy urged prospective applicants to review information on the embassy website and be prepared for their interviews with accurate and truthful answers.
The embassy also made it clear that it is not necessary to use a visa broker to apply for a US visa. “US visa applicants are encouraged to complete their own applications online, as all the information needed to make an application can be found on our website,” the statement read.
Presenting false information and documents may not only result in a visa denial but may also result in an ineligibility that prevents future travel to the United States.
How do I report US visa fraud?
To report any instances of passport or visa fraud, you can either send an email to Diplomatic Security at PassportVisaFraud@state.gov or get in touch with the nearest DSS field office or embassy.
How can I check the status of my US visa application in Bangladesh?
You can check your visa application status by visiting ceac.state.gov. In case your visa has been denied, you can find valuable information regarding Ineligibilities and Waivers at usvisas.state.gov.
