USA Visa Scams Sting Britons

United States authorities are investigating a series of suspected visa scams costing would-be British migrants millions of pounds.

A BBC investigation found more than 50 families had spent around $7m to obtain US visas that never appeared.

Two companies were investigated:

• Royal Development – founded by Michael Leggett who left the UK in 2003 after his double glazing company went into liquidation, with debts of almost half a million pounds. Royal Development advertised in the UK claiming that it could help people obtain an E2 business visa. Royal Development began operating in 2003 and since then signed up an estimated 26 families who paid $2.6m. Some of the people who paid money to Royal Development have been deported from the USA. The State Department has said it is investigating the company over allegations of visa fraud, including claims that the company forged paperwork.
• Central Florida Visa Group – founded by Florida businessman Doug Hall, who claims the would-be migrants’ money had been stolen by one of his employees. Police sources told the BBC their investigation is focusing on Mr Hall. An estimated 25 Britons paid over $4.5m dollars to obtain E2 visas.

A spokesman for the US Embassy in London said that Britons should be cautious about who they hired to find a business and obtain an E2 visa.

“Don’t get the same person who is sorting out your visa to find a business for you,” says Consul General John Caulfield.

“If they want you to invest in their business they are not going to be realistic about the realities.”