Kochi: A major overseas employment fraud promising lucrative jobs in Canada has come to light in Kerala, triggering an intensive manhunt for the accused and raising concerns about the growing menace of international job scams. Investigators believe the operation may be part of a well-organized network that targeted aspiring migrants seeking better employment opportunities abroad.
Workers Rescued From Building
The case gained momentum after authorities rescued seven migrant workers from a rented building on Mundyath Road near Cheranalloor Junction in Kochi on Friday. According to investigators, the workers had allegedly been confined at the premises, leading police to probe deeper into the circumstances surrounding their recruitment and travel arrangements.
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Preliminary findings suggest that the accused collected nearly ₹30 lakh from each victim by promising employment opportunities in Canada. Victims were allegedly assured of secure jobs, attractive salaries, legal documentation, and a smooth migration process. Many reportedly invested their life savings, borrowed money, or sold assets in the hope of securing a better future overseas.
Ten Suspects Absconding
The prime accused has been identified as Aryan, a Karnataka native who is believed to have lived in Canada. Investigators suspect he may still be in India and are attempting to locate him before he can leave the country. Search operations have been intensified across multiple locations as police pursue leads regarding his whereabouts.
Authorities say a total of 10 suspects are currently absconding. One accused, Abdul Rahim, a native of West Bengal, has already been arrested in connection with the case. Investigators expect his interrogation to provide crucial information about the structure of the network, its financial transactions, and the roles played by other members of the alleged racket. Efforts are underway to secure his custody for detailed questioning.
Fake Job Promises Used
According to investigators, the group followed a carefully planned modus operandi. Prospective job seekers were approached with promises of high-paying employment in Canada and fast-track visa processing. The accused allegedly projected themselves as well-connected facilitators capable of arranging overseas placements through legitimate channels. Victims were then persuaded to make substantial payments in stages, purportedly for documentation, visa processing, travel arrangements, and employment contracts.
Police suspect that many more individuals may have fallen victim to the same scheme. As a result, efforts are now focused on identifying additional complainants who may not yet have approached law enforcement. Investigators are also coordinating with agencies in other states to trace the wider network, examine financial trails, and identify associates linked to the operation.
Wider Network Under Probe
The case highlights the growing threat posed by fraudulent overseas employment schemes that prey on the aspirations of individuals seeking better economic opportunities abroad. Experts warn that scammers increasingly use sophisticated tactics, including fabricated documents, fake recruitment offers, and claims of international connections, to gain the trust of victims.
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh noted that fraudsters often exploit people’s dreams of overseas employment and financial stability. According to him, such networks typically build credibility through convincing documentation, professional presentations, and assurances of guaranteed placements. He advises job seekers to independently verify the credentials, licenses, and legal status of recruitment agencies before making any financial commitments.
For now, investigators remain focused on apprehending the absconding accused and tracing the movement of funds allegedly collected through the scam. As the probe expands, authorities believe further revelations may emerge regarding the scale of the operation and the number of victims affected by what appears to be a multi-crore international employment fraud.
