Kerala Police have arrested a 64-year-old Canadian citizen for allegedly defrauding several people of around ₹3.5 crore by promising to arrange jobs in Canada. The accused has been identified as James Kutty Kuriakose, a native of Changanassery who was residing in Panangad, Ernakulam. According to the police, Kuriakose allegedly collected substantial amounts from several people after promising employment in nursing and other sectors in Canada. He allegedly failed to provide the promised jobs or return the money collected from the victims.
The Chingavanam Police had issued a lookout circular against Kuriakose as part of efforts to trace him. During the investigation, the police received information indicating that he was moving towards the Bangladesh border. With assistance from the immigration wing of the Border Security Force, the authorities tracked his movements and arrested him near the border area. The accused is now being questioned, while police are also gathering details of other cases registered against him.
According to the preliminary investigation, Kuriakose allegedly approached several people with offers of employment in Canada and collected money from them. The alleged promises included nursing positions as well as jobs in other sectors. When the promised employment did not materialise and the money was not returned, the victims approached the police and complaints of fraud were registered.
Investigators are now working to establish the exact number of people who allegedly paid money to Kuriakose and determine how much each person gave him. The investigation is also examining financial transactions, the methods used to contact victims, documents connected with the alleged job offers and claims made regarding employment opportunities in Canada. Police are also checking whether any agents, intermediaries or other individuals assisted him in collecting money from prospective job seekers.
Another important part of the investigation is the examination of previous cases registered against Kuriakose at different police stations across Kerala. Police have received information about complaints and cases involving similar allegations of financial fraud. Records from these cases are being examined to determine whether the alleged modus operandi was similar and whether Kuriakose had been operating such a scheme for an extended period.
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said such cases often involve promises of attractive salaries, easy immigration procedures and immediate employment to persuade victims to make large payments. He stressed that people considering overseas employment should independently verify the employer, recruitment agency, appointment documents, visa process and payment requirements before transferring money.
Fraud linked to overseas employment can involve several methods of communication, including social media platforms, messaging applications, telephone calls and personal contacts. Once potential victims are convinced about the authenticity of a job offer, they may be asked to make payments in multiple stages for recruitment, documentation, visa processing or travel arrangements. After receiving the money, fraudsters may stop responding, delay the promised employment or demand additional payments.
Following Kuriakose’s arrest, investigators are also expected to examine the financial trail of the alleged ₹3.5 crore fraud. Police will seek to establish which bank accounts received the money, how the funds were subsequently used and whether any portion was transferred to other individuals or entities. Such financial analysis could help investigators determine whether other people were involved and whether the alleged fraud extended beyond the complaints currently under investigation.
The police also face the task of combining complaints from different locations to establish the full extent of the alleged operation. Investigators are checking whether additional victims have yet to come forward. Information emerging from earlier cases could potentially expand the scope of the investigation and help establish whether the accused allegedly used the same method to target people seeking overseas employment.
The arrest comes amid continued concerns over fraud involving overseas job offers. Such schemes can cause significant financial losses because victims and their families may invest their savings in the hope of securing employment abroad. Police have urged people to independently verify foreign employers, recruitment agencies and employment documentation before making substantial payments.
The Chingavanam Police are continuing the investigation and examining other cases and complaints allegedly linked to Kuriakose. Investigators are also expected to establish the complete financial trail and identify any additional victims or associates who may have played a role in the alleged fraud.
