The Navi Mumbai police have uncovered an alleged employment fraud racket and arrested two people accused of cheating 17 job aspirants of Rs 41.75 lakh by promising them jobs on foreign merchant ships, officials said on Sunday.
According to the police, a case has been registered against 12 accused in connection with the racket. Investigators suspect that more people may have been cheated by the accused under the pretext of providing overseas employment opportunities.
The matter came to light after the Financial Intelligence Unit of the police initially received a complaint involving six candidates who claimed they were cheated after being promised placements on foreign vessels.
Fake company used to lure candidates with overseas job offers
During the investigation, officials found that the accused were allegedly operating a fraudulent company from a mall in Nerul, Navi Mumbai.
The company falsely claimed to have a valid Recruitment and Placement Services License (RPSL) registered with the Director General of Shipping, officials said.
The accused allegedly attracted job seekers by circulating advertisements through another firm, promising high-paying maritime careers on foreign merchant ships.
Police said several candidates approached the company after seeing the advertisements and paid money to secure the promised jobs.
Victims paid Rs 41.75 lakh, but received no employment
According to officials, the complainant and 16 other victims collectively paid Rs 41.75 lakh to the accused. However, they were not provided jobs on any foreign vessel as promised.
Following the investigation, police arrested two key accused identified as Mohammad Gufran Bashir Qazi, 27, a resident of Ulwe, and Yogesh Nathaji Kale, 35, a resident of Nerul.
Both accused have been taken into police custody as investigators continue to examine their role and identify others involved in the alleged racket.
Case registered against 12 accused
A case has been registered at Turbhe Police Station against 12 people under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to criminal breach of trust, cheating, forgery and criminal conspiracy.
Police officials said further investigation is underway to determine the scale of the fraud and whether more candidates were targeted through similar job offers.
Police appeal to other possible victims
Authorities suspect that more job aspirants may have fallen victim to the alleged employment racket.
The police have appealed to anyone who may have been cheated by the accused to contact the Financial Intelligence Unit, Crime Branch, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai, or reach out through the helpline number 7700920766.
Officials said complaints from additional victims will help investigators uncover the full extent of the alleged fraud.
(With inputs from PTI)
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