In a shocking case of organized crime, the Mumbai Police have uncovered a sophisticated racket that allegedly cheated at least 190 individuals of a staggering Rs 25 lakh each. The fraud revolved around false promises of securing lucrative jobs in countries like Canada and Dubai.
The Modus Operandi of the Fraudsters
According to officials from the Mumbai Police's Cyber Crime Branch, the accused operated a well-planned scheme. They reportedly contacted potential victims, convincing them of their ability to provide employment overseas. To build credibility, the fraudsters used the names of genuine companies and even arranged fake video call interviews with individuals posing as company HR representatives.
The victims were persuaded to pay enormous sums, averaging Rs 25 lakh per person, under the guise of processing fees, documentation charges, and other administrative costs. The police have confirmed that the total amount swindled runs into crores of rupees, highlighting the massive scale of the operation.
Police Action and Arrests
The Cyber Crime Branch initiated an investigation after multiple complaints were filed. Their probe led to the identification and arrest of several key individuals believed to be central to the racket. While the police have not disclosed the exact number of arrests in their preliminary statements, they have assured that the network is being actively dismantled.
Authorities are now delving deeper into the financial trail, examining bank transactions and digital footprints to identify all accomplices and recover the defrauded money. The accused face serious charges under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code for cheating and criminal conspiracy.
A Warning for Job Seekers
This incident serves as a severe cautionary tale for individuals seeking employment opportunities abroad. The police have reiterated standard advisories: never transfer large sums of money to unauthorized agents, always verify the credentials of recruitment agencies directly with the concerned companies or embassies, and be wary of offers that seem too good to be true.
The promise of high salaries and quick visa processing often acts as bait for such scams. Experts advise job seekers to use only government-approved and licensed recruitment agencies for overseas employment.
The Mumbai Police continue their investigation, urging other potential victims who have not yet come forward to file official complaints to aid in a comprehensive crackdown on this fraudulent network.
