New Delhi: Delhi Police have apprehended a man from Maharashtra in connection with an alleged overseas job scam that defrauded a Delhi resident of ₹9.25 lakh. The arrest followed a week-long operation involving technical surveillance and multiple raids, an official confirmed on Wednesday.
The accused, identified as Anup Dharmole, 37, was taken into custody from a hotel in Panvel, Maharashtra. He is considered a key conspirator in the racket and had been operating under various fake identities while frequently changing his hotel accommodations to evade law enforcement.
Modus Operandi of the Scam
The investigation was initiated after a complainant, a resident of Shalimar Bagh in Delhi, filed an online report alleging he was cheated out of ₹9.25 lakh after applying for an overseas job through a website. According to police, the accused contacted the victim through social media, posing as a representative of a visa consultancy and overseas placement service. Dharmole allegedly gained the victim’s trust and systematically extracted money under the guise of visa processing, documentation, and various clearance fees.
An e-FIR was registered on March 24. During the investigation, police discovered that the mobile number used in the fraudulent activities was registered under a mule identity. A detailed analysis of the financial trail and technical data led investigators to Dharmole. The police also recovered mobile phones and a laptop believed to be used in the commission of the crime.
Broader Context of Overseas Job Scams
This incident highlights a recurring pattern of sophisticated scams targeting individuals seeking employment abroad. In late April, Delhi Police busted an interstate fake visa and overseas job racket, arresting three individuals who had allegedly defrauded hundreds of job seekers by promising high-paying jobs in countries like Russia, Turkey, and Azerbaijan. The syndicate operated through a fictitious firm, Saba Enterprises, and used social media to advertise opportunities, issuing forged visa documents and fake air tickets to deceive victims.
In another related case in March 2023, Delhi Police arrested two individuals involved in a work-from-home scam where victims were duped of significant amounts, including one who lost over ₹9 lakh. These scams often begin with attractive online advertisements, leading victims to platforms where they are instructed to make deposits for fake job placements or tasks, often receiving initial small returns to build trust before the larger fraud occurs.
The prevalence of such scams underscores the need for increased vigilance among job seekers. Authorities consistently advise the public to exercise caution, thoroughly verify the credentials of recruitment agencies and employers, and be wary of unsolicited job offers, especially those demanding upfront payments for visas or processing fees. The Delhi Police continue to investigate the case, aiming to uncover further victims and potential accomplices in Dharmole’s network.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
