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Kerala Police have arrested a travel agency director accused of cheating more than 70 overseas job seekers of ₹1.63 crore.
Who Was Arrested in the Case?
Mary Lopez, a native of Neendakara in Kollam district, was arrested in Chhattisgarh following an investigation into complaints against Ezra Global Tours and Travels, a recruitment and travel agency operating from Neeravil in Kollam.
The arrest was made by Anchalummoodu Police after investigators traced her movements across several states. Lopez had reportedly travelled through Delhi, Chandigarh and Himachal Pradesh and had been staying in Manali before being apprehended in Chhattisgarh.
Police said the agency had allegedly collected substantial amounts from job seekers by promising employment opportunities abroad. The investigation began after several applicants complained that they had paid money but received neither the promised jobs nor refunds.
How Did the Alleged Recruitment Fraud Operate?
According to police, Ezra Global Tours and Travels offered applicants visas and well-paying employment opportunities in countries including Israel, Australia and the Netherlands. Individuals seeking overseas employment were allegedly charged between ₹4 lakh and ₹6 lakh each.
Investigators said the agency collected payments over approximately two years but failed to arrange visas or employment for the applicants. Several complainants alleged that repeated attempts to recover their money were unsuccessful.
The complaints also included allegations that the agency’s operators threatened applicants who demanded refunds. Police said the establishment subsequently closed its operations after allegations of fraud began emerging, while those associated with running it went into hiding.
How Many Victims Have Approached Police?
Police have identified more than 70 alleged victims, with the total amount involved estimated at ₹1.63 crore. At least 24 cases have been registered at Anchalummoodu Police Station in connection with the alleged recruitment fraud.
The complaints concern payments made for overseas employment opportunities that allegedly never materialised. Investigators are examining the transactions and the agency’s operations to establish the extent of the suspected cheating.
Authorities are also considering whether additional applicants may have lost money without approaching the police. The number of complainants could increase as investigators examine the agency’s activities.
What Are Police Investigating Next?
Following Lopez’s arrest, Kerala Police are examining the wider operations of Ezra Global Tours and Travels, which reportedly maintained several branches across Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Investigators are looking into the possibility that other individuals may have been affected by the agency’s recruitment activities. They are also examining complaints connected with its promises of overseas employment and the payments collected from applicants.
The case highlights the financial risks associated with overseas recruitment arrangements involving substantial advance payments. Job seekers should independently verify recruitment agencies, employment offers and visa arrangements before transferring money, particularly when employment is promised in exchange for large upfront fees.
