Jammu: A case of alleged fraud involving ₹9.08 lakh has surfaced in Jammu, where a family was reportedly cheated on the pretext of securing overseas employment in Italy and the United Kingdom. The Special Crime Wing (SCW) of the Crime Branch Jammu has registered an FIR against a person and launched a detailed investigation into the matter, suspecting a possible wider recruitment fraud network operating in the region.
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Officials confirmed that FIR No. 10/2026 has been registered under Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code after a detailed complaint highlighted systematic financial deception, false assurances, and repeated monetary demands under the guise of foreign job arrangements.
According to the complaint, the accused has been identified as Bhupinder Kumar, a resident of Kir Pind, RS Pura in Jammu. It is alleged that nearly two years ago, he approached the complainant and offered to arrange overseas employment for his son. Initially, the accused claimed he could facilitate a job opportunity in Italy and initiated preliminary documentation to gain the family’s trust.
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Italy Failed, UK Promise Followed, But Payments Kept Flowing
However, officials stated that the application for Italy was rejected by the concerned foreign authorities. Despite this setback, the accused allegedly continued to assure the complainant and later shifted the promise to employment opportunities in the United Kingdom, claiming alternative arrangements could be made.
Investigators noted that the UK job arrangement also failed due to procedural objections and administrative hurdles. Despite repeated failures, the accused allegedly continued to demand money in multiple instalments, citing visa processing, documentation, and verification requirements as justification for further payments.
Believing these assurances, the complainant reportedly paid a total amount of ₹9,08,000 from personal savings and support from relatives. Of this, ₹8,23,000 was transferred through online transactions while ₹85,000 was paid in cash. Officials confirmed that only ₹40,000 has been refunded so far, with the remaining amount still unrecovered.
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The SCW spokesperson said preliminary investigation suggests that the accused may have acted with fraudulent intent from the very beginning. The complainant was allegedly misled through repeated false claims and assurances of guaranteed overseas placement.
Following the registration of the case, the Crime Branch has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the financial transactions, communication records, and digital evidence linked to the accused. The probe has been assigned to a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP)-rank officer.
Officials further stated that investigators are also examining whether other victims have been similarly cheated by the accused using identical methods. The possibility of a broader recruitment fraud network or coordinated scam is also under active consideration.
Experts in financial and cyber-enabled fraud cases note that such scams typically follow a structured pattern, where initial trust is built through small procedural steps, followed by repeated financial demands over extended periods. Victims often continue paying in the hope of job confirmation, making recovery difficult once communication stops.
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Authorities have urged the public to exercise caution while dealing with individuals or agencies offering overseas job placements. They emphasized that genuine recruitment processes are always supported by verified agencies, proper documentation, and official channels.
In recent years, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a rise in fake overseas employment scams targeting unemployed youth and families, with promises of high-paying jobs abroad.
The Crime Branch has assured strict action against those involved and indicated that further developments, including possible arrests or additional links, may emerge as the investigation progresses. The case remains under active inquiry.
