Noida Police Cracks Down on Major Overseas Job Fraud Ring
In a significant crackdown on employment scams, the Noida Police have arrested two individuals for allegedly orchestrating a large-scale fraud targeting jobseekers with fake overseas employment offers. The accused, identified as Niyaz Ahmad alias Armaan (43), a resident of Jamia Nagar in Delhi, and Raju Shah (33), from Haryana, are believed to have duped over 100 victims across multiple states, amassing illicit gains exceeding Rs 70 lakh.
How the Fraud Unfolded
The elaborate scam came to light on February 27, when Tirumurthy, a resident of Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, approached the Sector 126 police station in Noida. He reported that he had been defrauded of Rs 1.5 lakh by individuals who lured him with counterfeit job advertisements and were demanding additional payments. According to police officials, Tirumurthy contacted the accused via WhatsApp, following their instructions to meet near the Supernova Building in Sector 94.
At approximately 11:37 PM, a white Tata Nexon car arrived at the designated location as planned. When Tirumurthy signaled, police officers swiftly cordoned off the area, leading to the arrest of the two suspects and the seizure of their vehicle. This coordinated operation was overseen by Manisha Singh, the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) in Noida, who emphasized the department's commitment to combating such crimes.
Evidence and Legal Action
Upon searching the vehicle and the accused, authorities uncovered a trove of incriminating evidence. This included nine Indian passports, four mobile phones, one laptop, several fake passports, forged airline tickets, counterfeit visas, and Rs 73,500 in cash. The discovery highlights the sophisticated nature of the fraud, which involved creating false documents to deceive victims into believing the job offers were legitimate.
A formal case has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology (IT) Act. Specifically, the charges include Section 318(4) for cheating, Section 61(2) for criminal conspiracy, and Section 340(2) for using forged documents or electronic records as genuine. These legal measures underscore the seriousness of the offenses and the potential penalties the accused may face if convicted.
Broader Implications and Police Response
This arrest sheds light on a growing trend of employment frauds in India, where unscrupulous individuals exploit the aspirations of jobseekers, particularly those looking for opportunities abroad. The Noida Police have urged the public to exercise caution when responding to unsolicited job offers, especially those requiring upfront payments or promising unrealistic overseas placements. They recommend verifying the credentials of recruitment agencies and reporting any suspicious activities to authorities immediately.
The investigation is ongoing, with police probing possible connections to other similar scams and examining digital evidence from the seized devices. This case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in the job market and the importance of robust law enforcement efforts to protect citizens from financial exploitation.
