In the heart of Bradford, a private domiciliary care home named Alchita Care faces serious allegations of deceit and exploitation. Accused of luring migrant workers from Kerala, India with false promises of employment, Alchita Care is under scrutiny for robbing hopeful individuals of their life savings. The scandal involves Arun George and at least three other workers who paid significant sums for visa sponsorships that did not deliver the promised outcomes. Despite the gravity of these claims, Alchita Care's sponsorship license remains intact, prompting an investigation by authorities both locally and internationally.
Arun George, one of the affected individuals, paid a staggering £15,000 to Alchita Care for a visa sponsorship. He was led to believe this transaction would secure a stable future for his family in the United Kingdom. However, the reality was far from what was promised. Mr. George described his ordeal, explaining that despite repeated attempts to contact the care home, he was met with excuses and empty promises.
"We kept chasing the care home, but they made up excuses. After I pleaded with them, they forced us to undergo some unpaid training and gave my wife just three days of work," said Mr. George.
Alchita Care's alleged fraudulent activities extend beyond Mr. George. At least three other care workers have reported parting with thousands of pounds in hopes of securing employment through Alchita Care's sponsorships. These workers were promised jobs that never materialized, leaving them financially strained.
Victims of this alleged scam include individuals who took out high-interest bank loans to afford the visa sponsorship fees. Many were compelled to undergo unpaid training sessions and were subsequently offered minimal work opportunities. The financial burden forced some to face dire economic consequences.
Among the victims, one person shared their struggle:
"I thought the UK would offer a good future for my three daughters, but now I am struggling to pay their school fees."
The gravity of these allegations prompted a police investigation in Kothamangalam, where Alchita Care's local offices have been sealed following complaints from six individuals. The police action underscores the seriousness with which these complaints are being treated. Additionally, Interpol agencies are involved in probing the activities of Alchita Care, as its manager, Henry Poulos, is accused of absconding in the UK.
Despite these mounting accusations, Alchita Care has yet to provide any public response or acknowledgment regarding the situation. The care home's silence extends to inquiries from the BBC, which received no reply when attempting to gather information on the matter.
The impact on the victims is profound, with many describing significant financial and personal hardships. Sridevi, another affected individual, expressed her struggles:
"I struggle to even pay for my rent and meals."
The losses incurred by these individuals are substantial, with reports indicating that millions have been lost by victims from Kerala. The allegations suggest a systematic approach by Alchita Care to exploit vulnerable individuals seeking better opportunities abroad.