UK Visa: Indian-Origin Woman Accused in Visa Scam

An undercover investigation has brought to light an alleged illegal UK work visa scam operating openly on social media, raising serious concerns about loopholes in Britain’s immigration system and the growing black market for fraudulent visas.

According to a detailed investigation reported by the Daily Mail, an Indian-origin woman living in the United Kingdom has been accused of selling illegal UK work visas to migrants for as little as £12,000. The alleged operation was found to be active on Facebook, where unregulated intermediaries openly advertise visa services with promises of quick approvals and minimal scrutiny.

UK Visa: Bogus Skilled Worker Visas and Fake Jobs

The woman, identified as Komal Shinde, reportedly runs a firm named Krishiv Consultancy Ltd. Investigators allege that the consultancy offered fraudulent skilled worker visas using fake job roles, forged employment letters, and sham payroll arrangements, enabling migrants to remain in the UK without performing any real work.

Shinde is said to have been operating without official registration or legal authority. Despite this, she allegedly claimed access to sponsoring employers across the UK, including restaurants, care homes, and warehouse operations.

During a meeting with undercover reporters, Shinde stated that she herself was in the UK on a student visa before allegedly outlining the mechanics of the scheme in detail.

“With Job or Without Job” — Different Prices for the Same Deception

The investigation revealed that visa prices varied depending on whether a migrant wanted to appear employed or not.

“Without job it will cost you £12,000, £13,000 or £14,000,” Shinde allegedly said, bargaining openly.

She further explained that visas linked to supposed employment were more expensive. “If you go with job then it will cost £17,000, £18,000 or £19,000,” she reportedly told the reporters, asking them to decide which option suited them.

In many cases, migrants were allegedly assured that they would not need to work at all. Instead, sponsoring employers would transfer a monthly salary into the migrant’s bank account, only for the money to be immediately withdrawn and returned in cash. This circular payment trail was allegedly designed to mislead the Home Office into believing the job was genuine, supported by fabricated payslips and documentation.

UK Visa: Cuts, Confidentiality and Coaching

Shinde allegedly claimed she received a £1,000 commission per visa, with the remaining funds distributed among sponsoring employers. She reportedly stressed the importance of secrecy, warning clients to ensure nothing “leaked” that could draw attention to the arrangement.

The undercover probe also found that applicants were allegedly offered interview coaching to deal with Home Office checks. In some cases, Shinde reportedly claimed interviews could be avoided altogether.

“Most probably we will try that you don’t have to give the interview,” she was quoted as saying.

Global Talent Visas Also Allegedly Offered

Beyond skilled worker visas, the alleged illegal UK work visa scam extended to the prestigious Global Talent visa route, which is intended for individuals with exceptional achievements in fields such as science, technology, engineering, and the arts.

Investigators were told that this pathway could cost up to £30,000, with promises that certificates, experience letters, and professional credentials could be “created” to support the application.

“You have a unique skill,” Shinde allegedly told the reporter, adding that documentation would be prepared to present the profile as fully legitimate.

She reportedly claimed that seven to eight previous applications had already succeeded.

Official Response and Denial

Following the publication of the investigation, the UK Home Office confirmed that it has launched an inquiry into the matter and issued a strong warning that anyone involved in visa fraud would face the full force of the law.

Shinde has denied the allegations, stating that she was not selling visas or taking money. “I’m not fixing anything. I’m just giving the contact to the person who’s selling. That’s it,” she said.

Meanwhile, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, said it had removed content linked to the investigation and taken action against accounts found to be violating its platform policies.