Hyderabad Firm Busted for Fake Certificates

In a recent crackdown on visa-related fraud, Chennai police exposed a Hyderabad-based company involved in issuing fake educational and job experience certificates to facilitate visa applications. The scam was discovered by the Central Crime Branch (CCB) of Chennai, leading to the arrest of two individuals associated with Dream for Overseas Consultancy Private.

Authorities seized numerous items used for forging documents, including computers, printers, counterfeit seals, and over 90 fake certificates. This Hyderabad fake certificate scam has raised serious concerns regarding the exploitation of the visa system, especially for individuals seeking international work opportunities.

Investigation Initiated by the US Consulate

The probe into the Hyderabad fake certificate scam began after the US consulate in Chennai received a suspicious visa application. The consulate’s overseas criminal investigator reported that a man named Ajaykumar Bhandari had submitted a fraudulent educational diploma from the Gandhi Institute of Technical and Management and a fabricated job experience certificate from the Marriott Hotel and Convention Centre in an attempt to secure a work visa. On October 22, a formal complaint was lodged with the CCB’s Forgery Investigation Wing (FIW), prompting a detailed investigation into the matter.

This initial inquiry revealed that the forged documents had been provided by Dream for Overseas Consultancy Private, a Hyderabad firm that claimed to assist applicants with international education and employment opportunities. The Hyderabad fake certificate scam soon unfolded as investigators discovered the depth of the operation.

Modus Operandi: How the Scam Operated

Further investigation revealed that Dream for Overseas Consultancy Private issued fraudulent educational qualifications and work experience certificates to clients seeking to expedite visa applications. In exchange for these services, the company charged each client between Rs 5 lakh to Rs 6 lakh, depending on the complexity and specific requirements of the forged documents. The firm’s operator, Balanandeshwara Rao, was identified as the primary orchestrator behind the Hyderabad fake certificate scam, working alongside his associate, Kopse Mahesh, who managed Sybell Technologies in Nizamabad.

The forgery operation involved the creation of convincing, yet fraudulent, credentials. By replicating certificates from recognized institutions and companies, the scammers provided clients with seemingly authentic documents to present at embassies and consulates. This process posed a significant risk to visa integrity, as these documents were designed to bypass official verification procedures and mislead foreign immigration authorities.

Chennai Police Crackdown and Arrests

The CCB’s Forgery Investigation Wing dispatched a team to Hyderabad, where they successfully apprehended Balanandeshwara Rao and Kopse Mahesh. Upon raiding the premises of Dream for Overseas Consultancy and Sybell Technologies, police recovered computers, CPUs, laptops, printers, counterfeit seals, and over 90 fake educational and employment certificates. The equipment and documentation seized underscore the scope of the Hyderabad fake certificate scam and suggest a highly organized operation capable of producing a substantial volume of forged documents.

Both Rao and Mahesh now face legal charges, and authorities are continuing to investigate whether additional individuals or organizations were involved in the operation. Chennai police have issued a statement indicating that they will pursue stringent action against anyone connected with the scam to ensure a strong deterrent against similar offenses in the future.

Public Advisory: Avoid Unauthorized Visa Agents

Following the exposure of the Hyderabad fake certificate scam, the Chennai police issued a public advisory urging individuals seeking visas or foreign employment to avoid unauthorized agents or intermediaries. These unauthorized agents often charge exorbitant fees while providing illegitimate services that could lead to severe legal consequences. The advisory emphasizes the importance of relying solely on verified agencies or official channels for visa-related processes.

Visa applicants are encouraged to be vigilant, as using fake documents can result in visa denial, blacklisting, and potential legal action from both Indian and foreign authorities. The advisory also reminds the public that consulates and embassies maintain strict verification procedures, making it highly risky to attempt visa applications with fraudulent documentation.

Broader Implications of the Hyderabad Fake Certificate Scam

The Hyderabad fake certificate scam sheds light on the challenges faced by immigration authorities in preventing document fraud and ensuring the integrity of the visa process. The incident is a stark reminder of the impact such fraudulent operations can have, not only on visa systems but also on the lives of individuals who unwittingly or willingly participate in these scams. In recent years, an increasing number of cases involving fake documentation for visas, employment, and education have been reported, indicating the need for stricter regulatory oversight and public awareness campaigns.

By targeting individuals who seek better opportunities abroad, such scams exploit the aspirations of ordinary citizens and compromise the credibility of legitimate Indian qualifications and work experiences. The Hyderabad fake certificate scam is, therefore, a call for more robust verification processes and stricter legal consequences for those involved in forgery and fraud.

Conclusion: Combating Fake Certificate Scams

The recent bust of the Hyderabad fake certificate scam highlights the ongoing issue of document forgery in visa and employment applications. The actions of Dream for Overseas Consultancy and those involved not only pose a risk to international immigration systems but also threaten the trustworthiness of Indian credentials in the global job market. Chennai police’s swift response, along with the support of the US consulate, underscores the importance of collaborative efforts to counter document fraud.

This case serves as a critical reminder for individuals to approach visa applications responsibly, relying on verified and authorized agencies to avoid severe consequences. With the crackdown on this scam, Indian authorities are signaling a zero-tolerance approach toward visa-related fraud, making it clear that attempts to exploit the system will be met with stringent legal action.