In a recent development, two individuals have been booked by the Punjab Police for allegedly duping a youth of Rs 34.80 lakh under the pretext of sending him to the United States for employment. The accused have been identified as Gurpreet Singh and Balwinder Singh, both residents of Punjab.
Details of the Fraud
The victim, a resident of Hoshiarpur, had approached the accused after being promised a job in the USA. The accused allegedly took a substantial sum of money from the victim over a period of time, claiming it was for processing visas, travel arrangements, and other formalities. However, they never delivered on their promise and kept making excuses.
According to the police, the victim filed a complaint after realizing he had been cheated. The police registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including cheating and criminal breach of trust. The accused were arrested and are currently in police custody.
Modus Operandi
The accused allegedly operated by targeting young individuals aspiring to work abroad. They would promise lucrative job opportunities in the USA and demand money for various expenses. Once they collected the money, they would either disappear or provide false updates about the visa process.
Police investigations have revealed that the accused had defrauded multiple victims using similar tactics. They are being questioned to uncover the full extent of their fraudulent activities.
Police Advisory
The police have advised the public to be cautious while dealing with agents or individuals promising overseas jobs. They recommend verifying the credentials of such agents and checking with official immigration authorities before making any payments.
In a statement, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Hoshiarpur said, "We urge people to report any suspicious activities to the police immediately. We will take strict action against those involved in such fraudulent practices."
The case highlights the growing trend of immigration fraud, where unscrupulous agents exploit the dreams of young people seeking better opportunities abroad. The police are working to dismantle such networks and bring the perpetrators to justice.
