Nigerian National Sentenced in Major Job Scam Case
In a significant verdict, the Chief Judicial Magistrate of Puducherry has sentenced a Nigerian national to multiple jail terms for impersonation and cheating a local woman of Rs 36 lakh through a fake job offer in the United Kingdom.
The Court's Verdict and Sentencing
Chief Judicial Magistrate E M K Yashwanthrao Ingersol delivered the judgment, sentencing Reuben Goodnews Nnaemeka, 28, to six terms of rigorous imprisonment, each lasting three years. The court ordered that all sentences would run concurrently, meaning the accused will effectively serve three years in prison.
The magistrate imposed additional penalties, directing the Nigerian national to pay Rs 10 lakh as compensation to the victim within three months. Failure to pay this amount within the stipulated time frame will result in legal action by the police. The court also levied penalties totaling Rs 32,000 on the convict.
Deportation Orders and Co-accused Acquittal
In a crucial post-sentencing directive, the magistrate ordered officials to deport Reuben to his home country after he completes his jail term. This decision was based on the fact that his visa had expired and he was found to be possessing a fake passport.
The court, however, acquitted two other accused in the case - Namale Prossy, 26, from Uganda and M Rajesh, 25, from Bengaluru, Karnataka - as the charges against them could not be proved. The Ugandan woman was also directed to be deported since her visa had expired.
How the Elaborate Scam Unfolded
According to Assistant Public Prosecutor S Lokkeshvaran, the Nigerian national executed an elaborate impersonation scheme where he posed as the British deputy high commissioner. He approached the Puducherry woman with an attractive job offer for the position of system engineer in London, promising a monthly salary of 6,700 pounds.
The fraudster systematically manipulated the victim by directing her to transfer money for various official requirements including:
- Visa processing fees
- Police permission charges
- Notary declaration costs
- Medical and fitness certificates
- Other application processing expenses
The victim, falling for the convincing scam, transferred a total of Rs 36 lakh in multiple instalments during October-November 2022. The money was sent from her personal bank account as well as accounts belonging to her mother and brother.
When the woman received no further communication from the accused and realized she had been cheated, she filed a formal complaint with the Puducherry CB-CID in December 2022, which led to the investigation and subsequent legal proceedings.
The case highlights the growing concern about international cyber crime networks targeting Indian citizens with fake job offers and serves as a warning to job seekers to verify employment opportunities thoroughly before making any financial commitments.
