Full Breakdown
German National Arrested in Delhi Over Alleged Rs 60 Lakh Citizenship Scam
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Delhi’s Patiala House Court, through Judicial Magistrate First Class Animesh Kumar, remanded 64-year-old German citizen Poonam Jezzler to two days of police custody on October 13 after she was detained at Indira Gandhi International Airport. The court ordered custody to allow investigators to trace the money trail, identify any co-accused and recover electronic devices that may contain incriminating communications.
Background & Context
The case stems from a complaint filed by Pranzal Kumar, who says he met Jezzler and her husband in Switzerland in 2021 while pursuing an MBA in Lucerne. The couple allegedly ran an immigration-consultancy service and promised to secure German citizenship or permanent residency for a fee. Kumar’s FIR, lodged at Vasant Kunj police station in 2025, alleges breach of trust, cheating and conspiracy.
Data & Statistics
- The complainant alleges that Jezzler’s invoice to his father demanded CHF 50,000 (? Rs 50 lakh), which was transferred in “blind trust.”
- Kumar subsequently transferred an additional Rs 10 lakh to Jezzler’s account, bringing the total alleged payment to Rs 60 lakh.
- The court noted that the transfer of the full Rs 60 lakh into two of Jezzler’s Indian bank accounts was undisputed.
Official Statements & Responses
Police officials state that Jezzler, a German national residing in Switzerland with a Swiss-national husband, could not be located earlier because of her foreign status. A look-out circular (LOC) was issued, her Indian bank account was frozen, and the German Embassy, the Foreigners Regional Registration Office and the Ministry of External Affairs were notified of her arrest. The investigating officer emphasized the need to verify whether any German Embassy official was involved and to recover documents, financial records and electronic devices that could clarify the alleged scheme.
Impact & Ongoing Investigation
The case highlights vulnerabilities in cross-border immigration consultancy services and the challenges of prosecuting foreign nationals. Jezzler’s bail application was withdrawn after her counsel filed and then retracted it, and public prosecutor Gagan Bhatnagar, representing the complainant, opposed bail. In addition to the fraud allegations, court filings identify Jezzler as president of the World Book of Records, Switzerland, and a recipient of the Bharat Kirti Chakra award in 2022. The investigation remains active, with police seeking to trace the money trail and identify any additional conspirators.