New Delhi, Jul 3 (PTI) The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Delhi Police has arrested a 52-year-old man for allegedly duping 27 job seekers of around Rs 19 lakh on the pretext of arranging jobs abroad, officials said on Friday.
The accused, identified as Bharat Mishra alias Pritam Kumar Mishra alias Rajesh Prasad, was caught from Noida on July 1 in connection with a large-scale cheating and fraud case linked to a fake overseas placement consultancy.
According to police, the case came to light after complainant Gautam Kumar Thapa and 26 others alleged that in 2022-23, they were lured by a company named Sky Blue Overseas Consultancy, operating from Janakpuri in west Delhi, with promises of lucrative employment opportunities abroad.
The victims alleged that they were asked to submit their passports and deposit money towards visa processing, medical examinations, air tickets and other related expenses.
Police said the accused and his associates, posing as directors and officials of the consultancy, collected money, in cash and through online transfers, after assuring the victims of confirmed placements overseas.
To make the operation appear genuine, the accused allegedly arranged medical check-ups for the victims and handed over forged visas and air tickets, creating an impression that their travel and jobs had been finalised.
However, before the victims could travel, the accused shut down the office and went absconding, police said.
So far, 27 complainants have approached the police, alleging that they were cheated of nearly Rs 19 lakh.
During investigation, police found that the accused and his associates had concealed their real identities and operated under assumed names using forged identity documents. The office space was also allegedly rented using fake IDs.
The EOW said extensive searches were conducted at the accused persons’ known residential and office addresses, but they had fled. Technical and financial intelligence, along with sustained surveillance and look out circulars (LOCs), helped the police trace Mishra to Shiv Dham Enclave in Noida. A police team raided the location and apprehended him, officials said.
Police said Mishra is currently running an astrology business from his residence in Noida.
Further investigation is underway to trace the remaining accused, identify the cheated funds and uncover the larger conspiracy, police added. PTI SSJ SKY SKY
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