€16,000 Paid for Fake Schengen Visa – Police Uncover Fraud Scheme

Italian police have uncovered a visa scam involving two Bangladeshi nationals who allegedly defrauded a fellow countryman out of €16,000 by promising him an Italian entry visa for employment purposes.

According to Schengen.News, the scammers convinced the victim to transfer the funds in multiple transactions under the promise of securing a subordinate work visa. However, after receiving the money, they vanished, and it was later confirmed that no visa documentation had been submitted.

Authorities in Brennero referred the case to the Public Prosecutor's Office in Bolzano, classifying the case as aggravated fraud.

Visas Must Be Obtained Only Through Official Channels

The Italian Carabinieri emphasize that visas can only be obtained legally through certified visa centers or embassies. Any other offers are likely to be fraudulent.

Italy’s embassy in Bangladesh confirmed that due to a spike in counterfeit documents in 2024, all work authorizations (“Nulla Osta”) for citizens of some countries, including Bangladesh, were suspended pending document verification.

Why Bangladeshis Target Italy

According to SchengenVisaInfo, Italy is the most popular Schengen destination for Bangladeshi applicants. In 2023, 34% of the 39,729 applications were aimed at Italy. Despite this demand, the visa approval rate remains one of the lowest—only 40% were accepted in 2024.

Authorities Warn Migrants About Scams

Italian authorities urge third-country nationals to avoid unofficial agents and report any fraudulent activity. Similar investigations were launched in early 2025 involving forged marriages and documents aimed at securing residence permits.

As visa demand continues to rise post-pandemic, fraudulent schemes are also on the rise—highlighting the importance of transparency and lawful procedure in immigration processes.