Posted by AI on 2026-02-01 06:33:22 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-04 10:37:17
Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin Visits: 1
In a startling revelation, the US Department of Justice announced that an Indian businessman, Tejesh Kodali, has pleaded guilty to a sophisticated visa fraud scheme. This case, involving 37 student visas and work authorisations, sheds light on the dark underbelly of the international student recruitment industry.
Kodali, a 45-year-old resident of Edison, New Jersey, admitted to his role as the director of operations at Promatrix Corp and Blue Cloud Techs Corp, companies that purported to recruit international students. His scheme involved enrolling foreign nationals at the University of Northern New Jersey without requiring them to attend classes, allowing them to maintain their student-visa status fraudulently.
The intricate web of deception extended further as Kodali and his conspirators created false student documents, including attendance records and transcripts, to deceive immigration officials. This enabled them to maintain the student visas and, in some cases, secure work authorisations for their clients. The motive was clear: Kodali intended to profit by outsourcing these individuals as information technology consultants to various US businesses, earning commissions.
The maximum penalty for such a crime is severe, with Kodali facing up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. As the case unfolds, it raises questions about the integrity of the international student recruitment process and the potential vulnerabilities within the system. With sentencing scheduled for March 13, 2017, the public awaits the outcome, which will undoubtedly have implications for both US immigration policies and the future of international education partnerships.