Over 250 Youths Allegedly Duped of Rs 1.5 Crore in Elaborate Russia Job Scam
In a shocking case of employment fraud, more than 250 youths from Uttar Pradesh have been allegedly cheated out of approximately Rs 1.5 crore by a fraudulent firm based in Gonda. The scam involved false promises of lucrative job opportunities in Russia, luring victims through carefully crafted advertisements on popular social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
Police Register FIR Against Six Accused
Police at the Kotwali station in Gonda registered a First Information Report (FIR) on Saturday against six individuals implicated in the elaborate scheme. The accused include the main operator Vivek Kumar from Fatehpur, agents Zulfikar and Aryan Kumar Raj from Jhansi, along with three local accomplices identified as Manisha, Sarika, and Deepak.
The case was officially lodged following a formal complaint filed by Awadhesh Kumar Pandey, one of the affected individuals. Additional Superintendent of Police (East) Manoj Kumar Rawat provided crucial details about the operation, revealing that the accused operated under the banner of "Multi Immigration Counselling" from Harsh Tower in Gonda.
How the Elaborate Scam Unfolded
The fraudulent firm claimed to have secured a substantial contract with a Russia-based construction company that was allegedly offering numerous positions for drivers, technicians, electricians, and helpers. To make their offer appear legitimate, they promised attractive monthly salaries ranging from 79,000 to 1 lakh Russian Ruble.
The recruitment process followed a systematic approach:
- Victims were asked to submit all necessary personal and professional documents
- Applicants were required to sign formal agreements on Rs 50 stamp papers for passport and visa processing
- Each candidate paid substantial registration fees, which collectively amounted to approximately Rs 1.5 crore
The Heartbreaking Journey to Nowhere
The scam reached its climax when several victims from multiple districts including Ayodhya, Shravasti, Barabanki, Bahraich, Ballia, Gorakhpur, and Kushinagar traveled to Delhi on February 23. They had been issued what appeared to be legitimate tickets for Russia, only to face devastating disappointment upon arrival at the airport on February 24.
At the airport, the hopeful job seekers were informed that their tickets had been abruptly cancelled by the booking agent. When they returned to the Gonda office seeking answers and refunds, they discovered the premises locked and abandoned, with no trace of the operators who had taken their hard-earned money.
Police Investigation and Public Protest
Law enforcement authorities have initiated a thorough investigation into the matter. Police have already questioned two female employees connected to the firm and the building owner where the fraudulent operation was based. The investigation aims to trace the money trail and locate all individuals involved in orchestrating this large-scale deception.
Meanwhile, frustration among victims has reached a boiling point. Led by Aam Aadmi Party district president Ajay Kumar Mishra, the duped individuals staged a sit-in protest outside the district magistrate's residence in Gonda. The protesters have voiced serious allegations of inadequate police action and are demanding swift justice and recovery of their lost funds.
This case highlights the growing menace of sophisticated job scams targeting vulnerable youth seeking employment opportunities abroad. Authorities are urging citizens to exercise extreme caution when dealing with overseas job offers, particularly those requiring substantial upfront payments.
