Mumbai Job Scam: 8 Booked, 4 Arrested for Cheating 180 Job Seekers With Fake Overseas Employment Promises
Mumbai: In a major crackdown on an overseas job fraud racket, the Samta Nagar Police in Mumbai have registered an FIR against eight individuals and arrested four of them for allegedly cheating around 180 people by promising them lucrative jobs abroad. Two of the arrested accused are women. The scam primarily targeted job seekers from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan and Delhi.
Police officials said that one of the arrested accused was found in possession of several victims’ passports. Following the intervention of Union Minister and Mumbai North MP Piyush Goyal, swift action was taken by the authorities, leading to the recovery and return of all the passports to the affected victims.
Fake Recruitment Firm Busted in Kandivali
According to the police, the accused were operating a fraudulent recruitment agency named ‘Star Man Power’ from Office No. 230 at Dimple Arcade, Thakur Complex, Kandivali East. The accused have been identified as Devraj Yadav, Ashish Kumar, Verma (first name unknown), Ajan, Ayesha Ansari, Pooja Yadav, Ranjna Kamat and Kajal Gupta.
Investigations revealed that the gang posted misleading advertisements on social media platforms, claiming vacancies for drivers, helpers, fitters and packing workers in foreign countries, including Russia. Job seekers were lured with assurances of quick placements and high salaries.
Fake Visas, Medical Tests and Flight Tickets
The accused allegedly collected amounts ranging from ₹30,000 to ₹2.5 lakh, depending on the job profile. They also conducted fake medical tests and issued forged visas and flight tickets to make the operation appear legitimate. Payments were accepted both in cash and via online transfers into multiple bank accounts controlled by the accused.
Police said nearly 180 passports were retained by the gang, raising serious concerns about identity misuse and further fraud.
Victims Left Stranded, Office Found Locked
The scam came to light after a complaint was filed by Mahesh Chauhan (25), who said he visited the accused’s office in November after seeing an online job advertisement. Chauhan was promised employment in Russia and was asked to pay ₹75,000. He initially paid ₹35,000 and handed over his passport.
On November 11, when he returned to collect his passport and flight ticket, he found the office locked. After waiting for several hours, Chauhan noticed over 100 people gathered outside the office, all facing similar issues. Many victims had been given fake visas and flight tickets. Attempts to contact the main accused, Devraj Yadav, failed as his phone was switched off.
Police Investigation Ongoing
Based on the complaint, the Samta Nagar Police registered a case and launched an investigation, leading to the arrest of four accused. Efforts are underway to trace and arrest the remaining suspects and to examine financial transactions linked to the fraud.
Police have urged job seekers to verify recruitment agencies and avoid sharing passports or making payments without proper documentation. Authorities also warned the public against falling prey to overseas job scams circulating on social media platforms.
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