Man Arrested for Fake Immigration Services Abroad
Overseas Employment Scam Exposed: Ahmedabad Man Loses ₹12 Lakh to Fake Work Permit Racket
A recent case in Ahmedabad highlights the growing trend of overseas employment scams, where a 35-year-old man was duped out of ₹12 lakh on the pretext of securing a job in Finland.
The Accused Used Forged Documents to Deceive the Victim
The victim, Milan Barot, an HR and administrative officer at a private firm in Sanand, approached the consultant, Naimesh Shah, in search of a job opportunity abroad in 2024.
Shah, posing as an immigration consultant, promised to facilitate employment in European countries, including Finland. Over multiple meetings, Shah collected Barot’s original documents, including his passport, educational certificates, and identity proofs, under the pretext of processing the application.
Shah then sent Barot several documents, including an offer letter, visa-related papers, and a purported Finnish residence permit card, claiming that the process was complete, with only the payment remaining.
Barot was instructed to transfer money to a bank account belonging to Shah’s associate, Rohit N Sharma. Between November 11 and November 19, Barot transferred a total of ₹12 lakh in multiple installments from his own and his wife’s bank accounts.
The Investigation Revealed a Larger Organized Racket
However, upon contacting the Finnish Embassy, Barot discovered that the documents provided by Shah were suspect and likely forged. He subsequently demanded a refund and the return of his documents.
An investigation was initiated following the complaint, and authorities are currently examining bank transactions, digital communications, and the authenticity of the submitted documents.
Cyber Experts Warn Against Social Engineering Tactics
He emphasizes the importance of verifying job offers through official channels before proceeding and cautions against transferring large sums of money without proper validation.
This incident highlights the need for job seekers to remain vigilant and cautious when dealing with overseas employment offers. As investigators continue to track down the accused and unravel the extent of the network, it serves as a stark warning for individuals to exercise caution and validate information before taking any action.