Indian expat businesswoman in Dubai held at Kerala airport over alleged visa fraud

Dubai-based Indian businesswoman P.M.S, founder and CEO of an immigration services company, was arrested at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala on Thursday morning, officials said. She had arrived from Dubai earlier that morning. The detention came after immigration officers flagged her during check-in, leading to her arrest by airport police. She was subsequently transferred to Palarivattom Police Station in Ernakulam district, where she remains in custody.

Police claim the arrest is linked to alleged visa fraud and cheating, with charges filed under the Immigration Act. The warrant of arrest was issued following complaints from two individuals who were allegedly defrauded of Rs14 lakh in total by P.M.S's firm's Kochi office. Inspector Manjith Lal, who led the investigation, told Gulf News that over 100 applicants may have been duped by the company, with fraudulent activities reported at most of its offices.

The company, described as a project management services firm in Dubai, allegedly promised employment opportunities in countries such as Poland and Armenia, according to multiple complaints received by authorities. Malayalam TV channels broadcast footage of P.M.S's arrest, reporting that the company had a branch in Bahrain and a popular restaurant.

The entrepreneur, who received a Young Woman Entrepreneur Award from Kerala Tourism Minister PC Vishnunadh, gained widespread recognition in the Malayali community for her self-made success. However, her Dubai office has not commented on the allegations, with calls unanswered.