Fraudulent practices: Fake travel agent deprives residents of Rs5.2 million

Gul disappeared after taking the money; Most of the victims are poor.

SWAT: A fake travel agent allegedly deprived local residents of Rs5.2 million and disappeared.

According to local people, the agent, Ghuncha Gul, allegedly deceived 52 people by taking Rs100,000 from each person for sending them to foreign countries, after which he disappeared.

“He signed an agreement and took our original passports and computerised national identity cards (CNICs) along with the money and promised to offer us a visa to Saudi Arabia. He promised us that we would be sent as soon as he gets 50 clients but a few days back his agency closed down and later we found out that he has disappeared,” said Lal Zamin, a resident of Mingora.

Yousaf Khan, another victim who hails from Qalay Gey, said he had borrowed Rs100,000 from his neighbour. “I was jobless for a long time and wanted to go abroad to earn a living for my family. When I found out about the agent I approached him and he assured me that he will change my life so I paid him his fee and handed him my CNIC and my passport. A few days later, I found out that he had fled the valley, leaving me in shock and financial distress.”

The majority of the victims belong to the poor segment of the society, who borrowed money from friends and family. They have submitted an application to the local authorities to conduct an inquiry against Gul and have asked the inspector general of police and other concerned authorities to take immediate action.

Inquiry Officer Ali Bacha said they will take action against Gul once the inquiry is complete.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 31^st,  2011.