Ludhiana: ED probe says Ghai amassed crores in assets using proceeds from work visa scam

Ghai, who has been nominated in over 125 cases, has reportedly acquired at least ten properties worth crores, and has ₹3.24 crore in bank deposits, allegedly earned by duping locals with promises of Canadian work visas. The ED is now investigating the money laundering allegations against Ghai.

The officials said Ghai reported an income of ₹22 lakh between 2015 and 2018.

Earlier, the ED had attached two properties of Ghai, valued at ₹58 lakhs.

According to a latest initial information (FIR) registered by the local police following an ED complaint, Ghai allegedly used the proceeds of the fraud to buy these properties. The FIR said: “Ghai collected money for issuing work visas but failed to deliver them. He transferred crores into accounts held under his name and his firms, M/s Blessing Consultancy and M/s GND Consultancy Services, from 2016 to 2018.”

Ghai, a resident of Victoria Enclave, Ayali Khurd, was first arrested in July 2018. He is currently out on bail. The ED investigation points to his involvement in issuing work visas without a valid permit under the Emigration Act of 1983, through his companies between 2015 and 2018.

During an investigation in March 2021, Ghai told ED that his companies were licensed under the Punjab Prevention of Human Trafficking Act. However, the ED said these permits did not authorize the issuance of work visas, which fall under the Emigration Act.

According to police reports, since 2015, Ghai has defrauded more than 600 people seeking to migrate, mainly to Canada. He set up at least five shell companies, Blessings Consultancy, V. Visa, GND Consultancy, 99 Visa and Bright Solutions, all based in Ludhiana. By placing advertisements in newspapers, Ghai promised clients permanent residency and work permits abroad, with job openings at non-existent companies.

To evade authorities, he frequently changed his location and phone number, the reports said.