Jammu: A suspected overseas employment and visa fraud has come to light in Jammu and Kashmir, with the Special Crime Wing (SCW) of the Crime Branch Jammu registering an FIR based on a joint complaint filed by several residents of Doda district. The complainants alleged that they were promised jobs and visas in Dubai and were made to pay substantial amounts, but the promised employment opportunities were allegedly never provided.
According to the Crime Branch, Bilal Ahmad, a resident of the Dachhan area of Doda who is currently based in Dubai, has been named as the main accused in the complaint. He allegedly approached job seekers with assurances of arranging overseas employment and visas. Acting on his promises, the complainants allegedly transferred money into different bank accounts as instructed. Investigators are now examining the transactions and the alleged links between the accused persons.
During the preliminary inquiry, the Crime Branch reportedly found financial transaction trails indicating that the money received from the complainants was routed through the bank accounts of three other individuals. The names of Yasir Arfat, Ashiq Hussain and Moin Khan have emerged during the inquiry. The agency suspects, prima facie, that the three may have acted in coordination with the main accused in the alleged fraud. Their exact roles, however, will be established during the course of the investigation.
According to the investigating agency, the preliminary findings indicate the possibility of an organised conspiracy allegedly targeting job seekers by offering fake overseas employment opportunities. The complainants were allegedly directed to deposit money into different bank accounts, after which the funds were transferred through multiple channels. Based on these findings, the Crime Branch registered a case under relevant provisions of law and launched a detailed investigation.
A major focus of the investigation is now the complete money trail. Investigators are trying to determine which accounts received the money from the complainants, where the funds were transferred subsequently and how the money was ultimately used. Bank statements, transaction records and other financial documents are being examined. The agency is also investigating the communication and connections between the accused persons and checking whether the alleged network may have targeted other job seekers.
Bilal Ahmad’s presence in Dubai has added an international dimension to the investigation. Investigators are trying to establish whether genuine employment opportunities existed behind the alleged offers or whether claims of jobs and visas were made primarily to obtain money from the victims. The agency is also examining whether the accused allegedly used the names of companies, recruitment agencies or foreign employers to make the offers appear genuine.
The Crime Branch has once again advised people to exercise caution while dealing with individuals or agencies claiming to arrange overseas employment and visas. Job seekers have been urged to independently verify the credentials and registration status of recruitment agents and confirm the authenticity of employment offers through authorised government channels before making any payment.
Experts note that overseas job scams often target unemployed youth and job seekers through promises of attractive salaries, quick visa approvals and guaranteed employment abroad. Once trust is established, fraudsters may demand money under different pretexts, including visa processing, documentation, recruitment charges or other fees. In such cases, bank transactions and digital payment records can become important evidence for tracing the flow of funds.
The Crime Branch has advised people to immediately report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or the concerned Crime Branch unit. Investigators are now examining the alleged roles of all individuals named in the case, the suspected conspiracy, the network of bank accounts and the possible overseas connections.
The agency is also expected to examine additional financial and digital evidence as the investigation progresses. The findings could help determine whether the accused operated as part of a larger recruitment fraud network and whether other victims or intermediaries were involved. Further legal action will be taken on the basis of evidence collected during the investigation.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
