Three directors of a fraudulent tour company were arrested in Noida for allegedly cheating more than 100 people of nearly Rs 5 crore by selling luxury holiday packages that were never fully delivered. The accused lured victims with heavily discounted trips, five-star accommodations, flight tickets, and free benefits for destinations including Dubai, Singapore, and Europe. They used forged government documents and fake tourism ministry credentials to make the offers appear legitimate.
Arrest Details
Police from Sector 24 station arrested the three individuals from a mall in Sector 32. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Manisha Singh identified them as Imran Khan, Abhay Kumar, and Shailendra Singh, aged 38, 35, and 35 respectively. The trio operated a company called Rangers Club and posed as representatives of a reputed travel firm.
Modus Operandi
The accused reached potential customers through social media advertisements, phone calls, and promotional camps at malls and hotels. Once a person showed interest, they were invited to the office for polished presentations, fake agreements, and forged documents claiming recognition by the Ministry of Tourism. Police stated that the accused pressured customers to pay immediately, citing limited-time offers. After receiving payment, the company either failed to arrange trips or delivered only part of what was promised. Many customers never received confirmed hotel bookings or flight tickets despite paying in full, and their calls went unanswered.
Recovered Items
During the arrests, police recovered three fake tourism ministry identity cards, 180 fake visiting cards, 14 forged seals, 15 fake Memorandum of Understanding documents, three mobile phones, a Hyundai Creta, and Rs 7,100 in cash.
Confessions and Investigation
Police said the three admitted during questioning that they deceived customers for financial gain. Their bank accounts, transaction records, and documents are being examined to trace the money trail and identify others linked to the racket. Imran is from Saurabh Vihar in Delhi, Abhay is originally from Shravasti and lived in rented accommodation in Sector 48, and Shailendra, from Ballia, stayed in a housing society in Sector 75.
Legal Action
A First Information Report was registered under charges of cheating, forgery, using forged documents as genuine, criminal conspiracy, and impersonation. An official urged the public to verify a travel company’s registration, Goods and Services Tax details, and claims of government recognition before making any payment. They advised caution regarding holiday deals that appear unusually cheap.
