New Delhi

Delhi Police has arrested two individuals allegedly linked to a cyber fraud network that targeted job seekers by offering fake employment opportunities in Japan and extracting money under the guise of visa processing, embassy approvals and other official formalities.

According to investigators, the fraudsters posed as recruitment agents and representatives of reputed international companies. They allegedly contacted job aspirants, informed them that their applications had been shortlisted for overseas positions and conducted fabricated interview processes to gain their trust.

The accused, identified as Kush Bhatnagar (22) and Amit (23), both residents of Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh, were apprehended during an investigation into a complaint filed by a Delhi woman who claimed she was cheated of Rs 1.63 lakh after being promised a job in Japan.

Following the complaint, the East District Cyber Police Station registered a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and launched a detailed probe.

Investigators traced the movement of funds and discovered that approximately Rs 1.27 lakh from the victim's payment had first been deposited into a bank account linked to Bhatnagar. Further examination revealed that portions of the money were subsequently transferred through multiple accounts, including one belonging to Amit, who allegedly received Rs 14,850 and assisted in withdrawing and redistributing the funds.

A special police team travelled to Bareilly, where extensive inquiries, analysis of banking records and examination of digital evidence led to the arrests of the two suspects.

According to police, the syndicate collected personal information of job seekers from employment websites and other online sources. Using this data, members allegedly sent convincing emails impersonating well-known foreign companies and informed candidates that they had been selected for lucrative overseas jobs.

Victims were then persuaded to make payments for various procedures, including Ministry of External Affairs attestation, embassy verification, employment clearance certificates, visa processing charges and international background checks.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Rajeev Kumar said the accused used multiple bank accounts, SIM cards, email addresses and digital communication platforms to collect and distribute the money while attempting to conceal the financial trail.

During the operation, police seized mobile phones, SIM cards, email accounts used for recruitment communications, chat records and other electronic evidence believed to be connected to the fraud.

Officials stated that neither of the accused had any known criminal record prior to this case.

READ MORE: Fatima Husna proudly guides tourists through Hyderabad's history

Police are continuing their investigation to identify other members of the network and determine whether additional victims were targeted through the same scheme.