Gujarat Couple Scammed 29 Jobseekers Out of ₹1.06 Crore via Fake Overseas Job Offers

A Gujarat couple has been arrested for defrauding 29 individuals of ₹1.06 crore through false overseas employment schemes.

Arrests and Investigation

The suspects, Ankitaben Hardik Shah, 41, and her husband Hardik Hasmukhbhai Shah, 47, operated under the guise of Krishna Overseas Consultancy in Anand. A third individual, Nandkumar Damubhai Ukani, is evading authorities. The fraud involved deceptive promises of international employment opportunities, with victims lured by fabricated documentation, including fake visa papers and employment letters.

The Fraudulent Scheme

The scheme utilized social media platforms to attract job seekers by advertising positions in Europe, the Middle East, and other regions, offering packages that included work permits, e-visas, and housing. Investigations revealed that the fraudulent operation initially involved ₹78.80 lakh in misappropriated funds, which escalated to ₹1,06,26,960 after additional complainants came forward.

Victims and Documentation

Victims were misled by fabricated documents, which created the illusion of legitimate opportunities. However, discrepancies emerged when applicants attempted to validate the authenticity of the foreign employers listed in the paperwork. Multiple complainants reported that the companies cited in the documents could not be verified, and they were never dispatched abroad as promised.

Police Action and Legal Measures

Police in Anand established a dedicated task force to examine the case, conducting searches at the consultancy’s premises and related locations. Financial records and digital evidence were seized for analysis. The accused were arrested on September 11 and 12, respectively, while authorities continue to investigate the movement of funds and identify potential accomplices.

MEA Guidelines for Job Seekers

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has reiterated guidelines for individuals seeking overseas employment, emphasizing the importance of verifying the legitimacy of recruitment agents. Under the Emigration Act, 1983, registered recruiters must hold valid credentials, and applicants are advised to cross-check an agent’s Registration Certificate through official channels.

Key Recommendations

• Job seekers should independently confirm details of foreign employers, including their operational status and compliance with local labor regulations.
• Applicants should request written employment contracts that explicitly outline salary, working conditions, and other critical terms rather than relying on verbal assurances.
• The ministry warned against paying large sums to recruiters without clear documentation of how the funds will be utilized.

Continued Investigations

Investigations are ongoing to determine the full scope of the fraud, including whether additional individuals were involved in creating fake documents or facilitating transactions. Authorities are also examining the authenticity of the purported overseas employers and the validity of the visa-related materials distributed by the accused.

Conclusion

The case underscores the importance of caution when engaging with recruitment agencies. Verifying an agent’s credentials through the eMigrate portal and directly contacting foreign employers are critical steps to avoid falling victim to similar schemes. The incident serves as a stark reminder that fraudulent operations often rely on fabricated documentation and exaggerated promises to exploit vulnerable individuals.

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Anuj

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