In a significant crackdown on employment fraud, Mangaluru police have apprehended two individuals accused of orchestrating an elaborate overseas job scam that swindled victims of approximately ₹1 crore through false promises of international employment.
The Elaborate Scam Uncovered
The Ullal police station officials successfully arrested Mohammed Shafi (42) and Mohammed Sadiq (35), both residents of Mangaluru, following multiple complaints from victims who had paid substantial amounts for non-existent overseas job opportunities.
According to police investigations, the accused operated a sophisticated scheme where they:
- Guaranteed high-paying jobs in Middle Eastern countries
- Collected advance payments ranging from ₹2-5 lakh per victim
- Provided fabricated employment documents and visas
- Maintained constant communication to build false trust
Modus Operandi Revealed
The fraudsters specifically targeted individuals seeking better employment opportunities abroad, leveraging the desperation of job seekers in the current economic climate. They presented themselves as legitimate overseas recruitment agents with extensive international connections.
"The accused had created an entire ecosystem of deception," revealed a police official involved in the investigation. "They used sophisticated tactics including fake appointment letters, forged visa documents, and even staged video calls with what appeared to be foreign employers."
Police Action and Recovery
Following multiple complaints filed at the Ullal police station, a special team was formed to investigate the sophisticated fraud operation. The arrests came after thorough digital surveillance and tracking of financial transactions.
Key developments in the case include:
- Identification of multiple victims across Karnataka
- Tracking of digital payment trails and bank transactions
- Seizure of incriminating documents and electronic evidence
- Recovery of partial amounts from the accused
Growing Concern Over Job Frauds
This case highlights the increasing prevalence of employment scams in coastal Karnataka, particularly targeting youth aspiring for overseas careers. Police authorities have issued advisories urging job seekers to verify the credentials of recruitment agencies through official channels before making any payments.
The investigation continues as police work to identify additional victims and recover the remaining defrauded amount. Authorities suspect the scam network might be more extensive than initially estimated.
