Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Central Crime Station (CCS) has registered a case against six individuals for allegedly cheating 27 job aspirants of ₹5.05 crore by promising them employment in London and UK Tier-2 work visas. The accused allegedly assured victims of jobs, work permits and visa processing but failed to provide employment or return the money collected from them.
According to the complaint, the alleged fraud network was operated by prime accused Mohd Shahid, who is based in London, with the support of his associates in Hyderabad. The accused allegedly targeted people seeking overseas employment by promising lucrative job opportunities in sectors such as healthcare, information technology and construction. They allegedly claimed to arrange UK work visas, employment permits and necessary documentation.
The complainant, Mohd Ayub, an accountant from Saidabad, alleged that he was introduced to Shahid through his acquaintance Syed Ghouse. Following this, Ayub, his brother Mujtaba and several other job aspirants transferred money to bank accounts provided by the accused in the hope of securing employment in the United Kingdom. Police said that between 2022 and 2025, a total of 27 people allegedly paid around ₹5.05 crore to the accused.
Investigators said the accused allegedly attempted to gain the confidence of victims by sending some candidates to London. Three individuals — Ilyas Pasha, Mohd Rasheed and Raziyuddin — were reportedly sent to the UK through Hyderabad-based agents. However, after reaching London, they allegedly neither received the promised jobs nor the facilities assured to them. After waiting for several months, they returned to India.
The victims alleged that when they demanded refunds or questioned the accused over the failed promises, Shahid and his associates allegedly threatened them. The complaint also names Afsa Jabeen, Mohd Naseeruddin, Sadiq Mohammed, Rifa Tanzeen and Nasreen Begum. They have been accused of pressuring victims and attempting to prevent them from pursuing the matter.
Cybercrime experts said fraudsters involved in overseas job scams often use fake documents, fabricated recruitment processes and false employment offers to gain the trust of victims. Such scams exploit the aspirations of individuals looking for better career opportunities abroad.
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said that criminals involved in overseas employment frauds exploit people’s financial needs and hopes for a better future. He advised job seekers to independently verify foreign employers, recruitment agencies, visa sponsors and official documents before making any payments. Early verification and caution can help prevent major financial losses in such cases.
The Hyderabad CCS has registered a case based on the complaint and launched an investigation. Officials are examining bank transactions, the movement of funds, the role of the London-based accused and the involvement of other members linked to the suspected network. Investigators are also checking whether the accused targeted job aspirants in other states through similar methods.
Preliminary findings suggest that the accused allegedly exploited the growing demand for overseas employment and carried out the operation in a planned manner. Officials said fake offer letters, fraudulent visa processing claims and demands for advance payments are among the common tactics used in such scams.
The investigation is currently underway, and further legal action will be taken based on evidence collected against the accused and other individuals who may be linked to the alleged fraud network.
