Navi Mumbai Police have uncovered an alleged organised overseas employment fraud racket in which 17 maritime job aspirants were cheated of nearly ₹41.75 lakh after being promised jobs on foreign merchant ships. Two accused have been arrested, while a criminal case has been registered against a total of 12 individuals. Investigators believe the network may have been targeting job seekers for a considerable period and suspect that many more victims could have been defrauded using the same modus operandi.
According to the police, the accused allegedly projected themselves as representatives or associates of foreign shipping companies and lured unemployed youth by promising lucrative salaries, quick recruitment, and placement on merchant vessels. They then collected substantial amounts from applicants under the pretext of processing fees, training charges, medical examinations, visa formalities, document verification, and other recruitment-related expenses. Despite receiving the payments, the victims neither secured employment nor received refunds, prompting them to approach the police.
Preliminary investigation has revealed that at least 17 aspirants collectively paid around ₹41.75 lakh to the accused. Investigators suspect that several other candidates may also have been cheated through similar promises of overseas employment. Police are therefore examining bank accounts, financial transactions, and communication records to determine the full extent of the alleged fraud and identify additional victims.
Registration Begins for FutureCrime Summit 2026, India’s Largest Cybercrime Conference
Officials said a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against 12 accused in connection with the racket. While two suspects have been arrested, efforts are underway to trace the remaining accused. Investigating teams are also examining whether the network has links with agents operating in other states or overseas who may have assisted in recruiting or deceiving job seekers.
Police are conducting an extensive forensic examination of digital and financial evidence. Mobile phones, laptops, bank accounts, email records, online payment trails, and other electronic devices seized during the investigation are being analysed. Investigators are also verifying whether forged appointment letters, fake training certificates, or fabricated employment-related documents were used to mislead applicants.
According to investigators, employment scams are increasingly becoming cyber-enabled, with fraudsters relying on social media platforms, messaging applications, and online advertisements to reach potential victims. The accused allegedly exploited the aspirations of unemployed youth by offering attractive overseas careers and immediate placements before demanding money at multiple stages of the recruitment process.
Renowned cyber crime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said overseas employment fraud has evolved into an organised cyber-enabled financial crime. He advised job seekers to independently verify the authenticity of recruitment agencies, employers, licences, and official websites before making any payment. He also cautioned that transferring money without proper verification could expose applicants to significant financial loss.
Police have urged the public to thoroughly verify any overseas job offer before making payments to recruitment agencies or intermediaries. Individuals are advised to confirm the legitimacy of the employer and report any suspicious recruitment proposal to the police or the appropriate government authority.
Officials said the investigation is continuing, and the role of other suspects is being examined based on the interrogation of the arrested accused. Police believe that further analysis of digital evidence, banking records, and documentary material may reveal additional victims and expose the full extent of the alleged overseas job fraud network.
