In a significant crackdown on organized cyber crime, the Haryana Police has dismantled a sophisticated gang operating from Panchkula that allegedly cheated over 100 individuals by promising them lucrative employment opportunities abroad.
The Elaborate Fraud Operation
The accused, identified as Ankush and Sahil, masterminded an intricate scheme that preyed on the aspirations of Indian youth seeking better prospects overseas. According to police officials, the duo operated through multiple fake companies and forged documents to lend credibility to their fraudulent offers.
"The gang created an elaborate web of deception," revealed a senior police officer involved in the investigation. "They used fabricated appointment letters, fake visa documents, and even set up mock interviews to convince their victims of the authenticity of their offers."
Modus Operandi Exposed
The fraudsters employed a multi-pronged approach to ensnare their targets:
- Creating fake company websites and social media profiles
- Advertising non-existent job openings in countries like Canada, Australia, and European nations
- Charging victims hefty amounts ranging from ₹2-5 lakhs as processing fees
- Using sophisticated forged documents including offer letters and visa approvals
- Providing fake reference numbers that tracked to non-functional tracking systems
The Investigation Breakthrough
The case came to light when multiple complaints surfaced from victims who had paid substantial amounts but never received the promised employment opportunities. A special investigation team was formed under the supervision of senior police officials to track down the perpetrators.
"Our technical surveillance and cyber forensics teams played a crucial role in identifying the accused," the investigating officer stated. "The gang had become increasingly sophisticated in their methods, making detection challenging."
Recovery and Evidence
During the raids conducted at multiple locations across Panchkula, police recovered substantial evidence including:
- Multiple mobile phones and SIM cards used for communication
- Fake company stamps and letterheads
- Forged documents including visa approvals and appointment letters
- Digital devices containing data of potential victims
- Financial records indicating transactions from multiple bank accounts
Warning to Job Seekers
Police authorities have issued an advisory cautioning job seekers against falling prey to such fraudulent schemes. "Always verify the authenticity of recruitment agencies through official channels," advised a police spokesperson. "Legitimate companies never ask for large upfront payments for visa processing or job placements."
The arrested accused have been charged under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code including cheating, criminal conspiracy, and forgery. Investigations are ongoing to identify more victims and uncover the full extent of the gang's operations across different states.
This bust serves as a stark reminder of the growing sophistication of cyber-enabled financial crimes and the importance of thorough verification before engaging with overseas employment opportunities.
