In a major crackdown on a nationwide job fraud racket, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched coordinated raids across several states on Wednesday. The operations targeted individuals accused of luring desperate job seekers with fake employment promises, duping them of crores in the process.
Sources close to the investigation revealed that ED teams struck at over a dozen locations in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. The searches uncovered a web of deceit involving forged offer letters, sham recruitment drives, and hawala transactions to siphon off ill-gotten gains.
Among the seized items were incriminating documents, digital devices, and cash stacks totaling several lakhs. Officials suspect the syndicate operated under the guise of recruitment agencies, preying on unemployed youth from rural areas who paid hefty sums for non-existent jobs in government and private sectors.
The scam came to light following multiple complaints filed by victims who were asked to pay ‘processing fees’ ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 5 lakhs. Preliminary probes indicate the fraudsters used social media and fake websites to advertise plum positions, collecting money through UPI and bank transfers.
ED spokesperson confirmed that the raids are part of a broader money laundering investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). ‘We have gathered substantial evidence linking the accused to a larger network. Further interrogations will unravel the full extent of the conspiracy,’ the official stated.
This action underscores the growing menace of employment scams in India, where unemployment rates hover above 8%. Authorities have urged the public to verify job offers through official channels and report suspicious activities. As the probe intensifies, more arrests are anticipated in the coming days, promising justice for the cheated aspirants.