Ibadan, Nigeria (TheGavel)– The growing trend of Nigerians seeking greener pastures abroad, commonly known as the “Japa Syndrome,” has unfortunately become a lucrative target for unscrupulous travel agents. These fraudulent operators are exploiting the desperation of individuals seeking better opportunities, defrauding them of significant sums of money.
A report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) sheds light on the experiences of victims, industry players, and legal experts grappling with this issue. The respondents emphasize the urgent need for Nigerians to exercise caution and prioritize investing in their home country rather than falling prey to these fraudulent schemes.
Many victims have made substantial financial sacrifices, including selling properties, liquidating retirement savings, and even depleting their life savings, in their pursuit of a better life abroad. These desperate measures are often fueled by the allure of foreign opportunities and the belief that a brighter future awaits them overseas.
While some travel agents have acknowledged the increasing prevalence of fraudulent activities in the sector, they advise intending travelers to conduct thorough research and verify the legitimacy of agents before engaging their services.
Several victims who have been defrauded by fake travel agents have shared their harrowing experiences, often choosing to remain anonymous due to ongoing legal proceedings. NAN has obtained documents confirming the numerous court cases involving fraudulent travel agents accused of defrauding their clients.
Two agents, identified only as Timothy and Kayson, are currently facing trial for allegedly defrauding over 150 individuals through the issuance of fake Australian visas and other fraudulent schemes.
One victim, Mr. Daniel Okwudiri, recounted his ordeal after paying N3,835,500 to a travel agent who promised to secure him a US visa, work permit, and caregiver’s job. Despite numerous promises and assurances, the agent failed to deliver on any of these commitments, leading Okwudiri to file a legal complaint.
Another victim, a cleric who wished to remain anonymous, was duped of N32,500,000 by an agent who claimed to secure him a work placement and Certificate of Sponsorship in the United Kingdom (UK). The agent falsely represented his company as a subsidiary of a neighborhood healthcare owned by his wife, a registered medical practitioner in the UK. Despite conducting online checks, the cleric fell victim to the agent’s deception and deposited a substantial sum of money into his account.
Mrs. Ruth Adebimpe, a businesswoman and sub-agent in the travel industry, also shared her experience of being defrauded by a fellow agent. She and her client were duped of a significant amount of money after being lured by a fraudulent agent’s advertisement on a Telegram group.
Mr. Abdulqadri Mohammed, another victim, was defrauded of N4,535,000 by a travel agent who promised to secure him a Canadian student visa. The agent charged exorbitant fees and made false claims about facilitating school fee payments. Despite paying substantial sums of money, Mohammed’s visa application was ultimately denied, and the agent further defrauded him by impersonating him to obtain a refund of his tuition fees.
An anonymous victim recounted a similar experience, being defrauded of N14.3 million by a travel agent who issued him a forged travel ticket to New Zealand. The agent used a credit card to purchase the ticket fraudulently and later threatened the victim’s life when confronted about the deception.
A family of four also fell victim to a fraudulent travel agent who claimed to secure them travel documents to the UK. The agent defrauded them of N60 million and was also implicated in defrauding over 166 other individuals, totaling N700 million.
The investigation revealed that many of these fraudulent schemes involve sub-agents who act as intermediaries, luring unsuspecting applicants to the main agents. This complex network of fraudsters has contributed to the increasing number of victims falling prey to these scams.
Lawyer Mr. Peter Idowu highlighted the rise in visa fraud cases due to the growing number of individuals seeking to leave Nigeria. He explained that while visa fraud cases can be pursued both civilly and criminally, recovering funds can be challenging due to the lengthy legal processes involved.
The public is urged to exercise caution and conduct thorough research when dealing with travel agents. Verifying credentials, checking online reviews, and consulting with trusted sources can help mitigate the risk of falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.
It is also essential to consider the opportunities and challenges within Nigeria before making the decision to emigrate. Many experts believe that by investing in the development of the country and harnessing the potential of its youth, Nigeria can create a more prosperous and fulfilling future for its citizens. (NAN)
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