In a major crackdown on human trafficking and immigration fraud, Bihar Police arrested a notorious conman in Gopalganj district who was duping desperate job-seekers with false promises of overseas employment. The suspect, whose identity is yet to be officially disclosed, was apprehended during a late-night raid based on credible intelligence inputs.
Authorities recovered a staggering 349 passports from his possession, believed to belong to victims from across Bihar and neighboring states. These documents were allegedly collected as part of a elaborate scam where the fraudster charged exorbitant fees ranging from Rs 2-5 lakhs per person, assuring them lucrative jobs in Gulf countries and Southeast Asia.
The operation unfolded after several complaints surfaced at the local police station about missing passports and unfulfilled job promises. ‘This gang has been operating for over two years, targeting unemployed youth from rural areas,’ revealed a senior police official. Preliminary investigations suggest links to an interstate network involved in forging visas and work permits.
The arrest comes amid rising concerns over illegal migration from Bihar, where economic distress pushes thousands to seek opportunities abroad through unscrupulous agents. Police suspect the passports were being used for identity theft or sold on the black market. Interrogation is ongoing, with raids continuing at the accused’s hideouts in Gopalganj and nearby areas.
This bust highlights the urgent need for public awareness campaigns against such frauds. Bihar Police has urged citizens to verify agents through official channels like the Protector of Emigrants before handing over money or documents. Further arrests are expected as the investigation deepens, promising to unravel the full extent of this passport racket.