A Gujarat couple has been arrested for allegedly cheating job seekers by promising overseas employment, work permits and fake electronic visas. Police said the suspected fraud has affected at least 29 people, with the alleged amount involved rising to ₹1,06,26,960.
The case, reported from Anand, involves Krishna Overseas Consultancy, which allegedly used social media advertisements to attract people with promises of well-paying jobs, work permits, accommodation and food in European countries and Dubai.
The investigation initially indicated a suspected fraud of ₹78.80 lakh. However, after police recorded statements from additional complainants, the alleged amount crossed ₹1 crore. The case has brought renewed attention to the Anand Overseas Job Fraud allegations.
Disclaimer: This report is based on police statements and media reports. The allegations against the accused have not been proven in court.
Anand Overseas Job Fraud Case Involves 29 Suspected Victims
According to police, the accused operated through Krishna Overseas Consultancy in Anand and allegedly targeted people seeking employment abroad.
The arrested suspects have been identified as:
- Ankitaben Hardik Shah, aged 41
- Hardik Hasmukhbhai Shah, aged 47, and her husband
A third accused, Nandkumar Damubhai Ukani, reportedly remains absconding.
Police said the couple originally belonged to Songadh in Bhavnagar district and were living in Anand when the alleged activities took place.
The suspected Anand Overseas Job Fraud came to light after complaints were made by people who claimed they had paid large sums but were not sent abroad.
Social Media Advertisements Promised Overseas Jobs and Free Accommodation
According to the investigation, Krishna Overseas Consultancy allegedly promoted overseas employment opportunities through attractive advertisements on social media.
The advertisements reportedly promised:
- Work permits
- E-visas
- Well-paying jobs
- Accommodation
- Food
- Employment in European countries and Dubai
The destinations allegedly mentioned in the advertisements included Serbia, Latvia, the Czech Republic, Armenia and Dubai.
The offers were reportedly aimed at people looking for better employment opportunities and higher earnings abroad.
Police alleged that applicants were persuaded to pay substantial amounts for visa processing and recruitment-related services. The Anand Overseas Job Fraud investigation is examining whether the advertisements were deliberately used to mislead job seekers.
Fake E-Visas Allegedly Used to Gain Applicants’ Trust
One of the reported methods involved allegedly providing applicants with e-visas to make the overseas employment offers appear genuine.
According to police, victims later discovered that the companies mentioned on the work permits and e-visas allegedly did not exist.
The applicants were reportedly not sent to the promised destinations. They also alleged that the money they had paid was not returned.
The use of allegedly fake employment documents and e-visas is a central aspect of the Anand Overseas Job Fraud case.
Complaint Leads to Special Investigation Team
A complaint by Kundanben Patel, a resident of Petlad, reportedly triggered the police investigation.
The complaint was registered on September 10, after which a special investigation team was formed.
Police reportedly raided the consultancy office and other locations connected to the accused. During the searches, investigators seized documents and other materials considered relevant to the case.
The initial investigation reportedly indicated an alleged fraud of ₹78.80 lakh. As more people came forward and their statements were recorded, the suspected amount increased to ₹1,06,26,960.
Police are now examining bank accounts and financial transactions to trace the movement and use of the money.
Alleged Fraud Amount Rises to ₹1.06 Crore
The suspected financial details changed as the investigation expanded.
| Investigation stage | Alleged amount |
|---|---|
| Initial complaint-based estimate | ₹78.80 lakh |
| Amount identified after additional statements | ₹1,06,26,960 |
| Number of suspected victims | 29 |
Police said the increase in the alleged amount followed statements from additional victims who reportedly claimed to have paid money to the consultancy.
The final number of affected people and the total amount involved may change as investigators continue examining records and receiving further complaints.
The expanding money trail is a significant part of the Anand Overseas Job Fraud investigation.
Couple Arrested, Third Suspect Reportedly Absconding
Police arrested Ankitaben Hardik Shah on September 11 and her husband, Hardik Hasmukhbhai Shah, on September 12.
The third accused, Nandkumar Damubhai Ukani, reportedly remains absconding. Police teams are conducting searches at possible locations to trace him.
Investigators are also examining whether other individuals were involved in the alleged operation and whether more victims may have been cheated.
The arrests do not establish guilt. The accused will have the opportunity to respond to the allegations through the legal process.
Police Examine Bank Accounts and Consultancy Records
The investigation into the Anand Overseas Job Fraud is expected to focus on the consultancy’s financial transactions, applicant records and the documents allegedly provided to job seekers.
Police may examine:
- Bank accounts used to receive payments.
- The total amount collected from each applicant.
- The authenticity of the work permits and e-visas.
- The existence of the overseas employers named in the documents.
- Social media advertisements used to attract applicants.
- The involvement of the absconding suspect.
- Whether similar complaints have been filed against the consultancy elsewhere.
The financial investigation could help establish how the alleged funds were collected, transferred and used.
Anand Police Warn Job Seekers Against Unverified Social Media Offers
Anand police have advised people seeking overseas jobs or work permits not to trust attractive social media advertisements without verification.
Police reportedly urged applicants to:
- Check the credentials of recruitment agents and consultancies.
- Verify whether the agency is authorised to provide overseas recruitment services.
- Confirm job offers directly with the foreign employer.
- Verify the authenticity of work permits and visa documents.
- Request official receipts for every payment.
- Avoid paying large amounts without a written agreement.
- Confirm visa information through official government channels.
- Be cautious of guaranteed jobs, guaranteed visas and unusually high salary promises.
A genuine-looking e-visa or work permit should not be treated as proof of authenticity unless it is independently verified through official sources.
Current Status of the Anand Case
The Anand Overseas Job Fraud case remains under investigation following the arrest of the Gujarat couple and the reported identification of 29 suspected victims.
Police have seized documents from the consultancy and are examining bank transactions, applicant statements and the alleged overseas employment paperwork.
The third accused, Nandkumar Damubhai Ukani, is reportedly absconding, while investigators are continuing efforts to determine whether more people were involved.
As the inquiry progresses, the alleged amount and number of victims may be revised further. The allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings.
Key Details Of Anand Overseas Job Fraud at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Anand, Gujarat |
| Consultancy named | Krishna Overseas Consultancy |
| Arrested accused | Ankitaben Hardik Shah and Hardik Hasmukhbhai Shah |
| Third accused | Nandkumar Damubhai Ukani, reportedly absconding |
| Suspected victims | 29 |
| Initial alleged fraud amount | ₹78.80 lakh |
| Updated alleged amount | ₹1,06,26,960 |
| Promised destinations | Serbia, Latvia, Czech Republic, Armenia and Dubai |
| Alleged method | Social media advertisements, work permits and fake e-visas |
| Police action | Raids, arrests and seizure of documents |
| Current status | Investigation ongoing |
Final Takeaway On Anand Overseas Job Fraud
The Anand Overseas Job Fraud case is a warning to job seekers not to rely solely on social media advertisements or attractive overseas employment promises. Applicants should independently verify employers, recruitment agencies, work permits and visa documents before making payments.
Verify the employer. Verify the visa. Search Before You Trust.
FAQs : Anand Overseas Job Fraud
What is the Anand Overseas Job Fraud case?
The case concerns allegations that a Gujarat couple operating through Krishna Overseas Consultancy cheated job seekers by promising overseas employment, work permits and e-visas.
How many people were allegedly cheated in Anand Overseas Job Fraud?
Police have reportedly identified 29 suspected victims so far.
How much money was allegedly involved in Anand Overseas Job Fraud?
The suspected fraud initially stood at ₹78.80 lakh but reportedly increased to ₹1,06,26,960 after additional victims provided statements.
Which countries were mentioned in the alleged job offers?
The advertisements reportedly mentioned Serbia, Latvia, the Czech Republic, Armenia and Dubai.
How were applicants allegedly lured?
Police said the consultancy used social media advertisements offering overseas jobs, work permits, accommodation, food and attractive salaries.
Were fake documents allegedly provided?
According to police, applicants were allegedly given e-visas and work permits, but later discovered that the companies named in the documents reportedly did not exist.
Who has been arrested?
Police arrested Ankitaben Hardik Shah and her husband Hardik Hasmukhbhai Shah. Another accused, Nandkumar Damubhai Ukani, is reportedly absconding.
Has the fraud been proven in court?
No. Police have registered a case and arrested two suspects, but the allegations must still be established through evidence and legal proceedings.
Source : India Today
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