The Cyber Crime Police in Coimbatore have successfully apprehended a 42-year-old man from Erode for allegedly orchestrating a sophisticated job fraud. The accused, identified as K Arun, is charged with cheating a young graduate out of Rs 3.5 lakh by promising him lucrative employment in hotels located in foreign countries.
The Elaborate Job Offer Scam
According to the police complaint, the victim, D James, a 24-year-old resident of Chinnavedampatti in Coimbatore, had recently completed a degree in catering services and was actively seeking employment. His search took a promising turn when a faculty member from his former college introduced him to Arun. Presenting himself as a successful entrepreneur, Arun claimed to operate a chain of hotels in several nations, including Australia and Armenia.
Arun dangled the prospect of a high-paying position in one of his overseas establishments before James. To make the offer seem legitimate, he assured the young graduate that he would manage the entire process, including visa arrangements, transportation, and accommodation. However, this comprehensive service came with a steep price tag of Rs 3.5 lakh, which Arun insisted was necessary for visa processing fees.
The Fraud Unravels and Police Action
Trusting the assurances given to him, James proceeded to transfer the substantial sum to Arun's bank account. Following the transaction, his attempts to contact Arun for updates on the promised job were met with silence. The phone calls went unanswered, and the dream of working abroad quickly evaporated. Realizing he had been swindled, James confided in his father, who subsequently took the matter to the authorities.
A formal complaint was lodged with the Coimbatore City Cyber Crime Police on November 29. Acting swiftly on the information, the police registered a case and initiated an investigation. Their probe led them to Erode, where they arrested Arun from his residence on Wednesday. Following his arrest, the court remanded him to judicial custody.
A History of Deceit and Wider Implications
Investigating officers revealed that Arun's modus operandi was not an isolated incident. A police officer from the cyber crime unit stated that Arun had previously worked in hotels and restaurants abroad and was misusing the names of those establishments to lure unsuspecting job seekers. His criminal record shows a pattern of similar offences.
Arun has a history of arrests by the Trichy and Salem police for committing identical crimes. The Coimbatore police now suspect his involvement in additional fraudulent cases within their jurisdiction and are expanding their investigation to uncover the full extent of his activities. This case serves as a stark warning for job seekers to exercise extreme caution and thoroughly verify overseas employment offers before making any financial commitments.
