PANAJI
The Crime Branch (CB) arrested two persons who, in connivance with international fake job racketeers, duped several job seekers from Goa. Some victims managed to return to India from Thailand and Cambodia, where they were allegedly pushed into illicit activities including cryptocurrency trading scams. These victims tipped Goa police about the racket, followed by an investigation.
Details shared by PRO, SP Rahul Gupta revealed that in one incident, a female accused from Quepem lured two victims with the promise of lucrative job opportunities in Thailand, offering a monthly salary of Rs 60,000.
The victims left Goa on February 14, 2024, and landed in Thailand the following day. “However, upon arrival, they were taken to Cambodia and posted in a call center instead of the promised casino job. They returned to Goa in March 2024 after making medical excuses,” he revealed.
In another incident, accused Nashir Ahamad Tigadi from Karnataka and Mohammad Haji, who runs the Excellent Services recruitment agency in Mumbai, assured one victim of a high-paying job in Cambodia with a monthly salary of Rs 1 lakh.
Gupta stated that upon his arrival in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on April 11, 2024, the victim was taken to Dana Technologies, a company involved in fraudulent activities including creating fake social media accounts to lure potential victims into cryptocurrency trading scams. “This victim returned in May 2024,” the officer told the media adding that Tigadi and Haji, both hailing from Karnataka were arrested.
“During interrogation, the accused confessed to committing this offense in collaboration with associates in other parts of the country. The bank accounts used to receive money have been frozen and their mobile phones containing incriminating evidence recovered. Efforts are ongoing to trace other accused persons and dismantle the illegal recruitment network,” the SP said.
Advisory
Goa Police have initiated an investigation into Goans overstaying their visas in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam. Officers have warned those involved in cybercrimes in these countries to return immediately or face legal action.
“We are collecting information on Goans overstaying in these countries. Appropriate action will be taken based on verification reports. We urge family members of those working in these countries to verify the whereabouts of their relatives. Those involved in cybercrimes should return immediately. Failure to do so will result in legal action initiated by the Goa Police,” SP Gupta said.
