Gonda (Uttar Pradesh): In a major overseas employment fraud, nearly 250 young men from multiple districts of Uttar Pradesh were allegedly duped of approximately ₹3.12 crore after being promised lucrative jobs in Russia through social media advertisements. The accused, identified as Vivek Kumar, is alleged to have collected between ₹1.25 lakh and ₹2 lakh from each applicant before going incommunicado. A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered at the local police station, and an investigation is underway.
According to the complaint, the accused operated a firm named “Multi Immigration Counselling” from an office located at Harsh Tower on Utraula Road in Gonda. Through promotional campaigns on Facebook and Instagram, the firm claimed to have secured a hiring contract with a Russia-based construction company and invited applications for positions including drivers, helpers, technicians, shuttering workers and electricians.
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Victims alleged that monthly salaries ranging from 68,000 to one lakh rubles were promised. Candidates were made to sign agreements on ₹50 stamp paper and were assured that passport and visa processing would be handled by the firm. Those who already possessed valid travel documents were told that their flight to Russia had been booked for February 24 from the international airport in Delhi.
Several applicants reportedly reached Delhi on February 23 in preparation for departure. However, upon arrival at the airport, they discovered that their flight tickets had been cancelled. Attempts to contact the travel agent and company representatives allegedly went unanswered. Growing suspicious, a group of youths returned to Gonda, only to find the office premises locked. Subsequently, they approached the local police and lodged a formal complaint.
The victims hail from districts including Ayodhya, Shravasti, Barabanki, Bahraich, Gorakhpur, Kushinagar and Ballia. Many families reportedly arranged the required funds by borrowing money or mortgaging property, hoping to secure stable employment abroad for their sons.
Based on a complaint filed by Avadhesh Kumar Pandey, police have registered a case against Vivek Kumar under sections related to cheating and criminal breach of trust. Officials confirmed that financial records, bank transactions and digital payment trails linked to the firm are being scrutinised. Efforts are ongoing to trace and apprehend the accused.
Investigators are also examining whether the alleged fraud was carried out by a larger organised network and how the social media campaigns were designed to attract such a large number of applicants. Authorities are verifying the authenticity of the claimed foreign employment tie-ups and reviewing documentation collected from the office.
Police have urged job aspirants to exercise caution while responding to overseas employment advertisements circulated online. Officials advised candidates to verify the registration credentials of recruitment agencies, confirm government approvals and cross-check employer contracts before transferring any funds.
The incident has once again raised concerns about the growing misuse of digital platforms for fraudulent overseas recruitment schemes. With international job opportunities remaining highly sought after, law enforcement agencies say heightened vigilance and public awareness are essential to prevent similar scams.
Further investigation is in progress to determine the exact amount collected and whether victims from other states may also have been targeted. Authorities maintain that tracing the accused and recovering the defrauded money remain top priorities in the case.
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.
