CID arrests man for cheating unemployed with fake govt job offers, 16 cases registered

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

The Cyber Crimes Police of the Andhra Pradesh CID have arrested a man Gopal for allegedly cheating unemployed youth by circulating fake government recruitment notifications and promising jobs. According to the CID, the accused had been running a fake government job recruitment racket for monetary gain. In 2021, he allegedly published a newspaper advertisement claiming recruitment under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and provided a fake email address for applications.

Using details received through the fake email, Gopal allegedly contacted candidates and induced them to pay money by promising government employment. He forged and circulated recruitment notifications, certificate verification letters, interview letters, appointment and training orders using the Government of India emblem, the name of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the official address of the National Health Mission, Andhra Pradesh, CID has alleged.

The accused allegedly recruited people through OLX and used their bank accounts as mule accounts to receive money from victims. He reportedly offered them around 30 per cent commission, retained the remaining amount and kept their ATM cards to withdraw money, said the press release The investigation found that he created and used multiple fake email IDs and around 15 mobile numbers obtained through fake KYC documents.

Technical analysis also revealed that approximately 278 IMEIs were associated with a single mobile number. The CID seized two mobile phones besides a laptop containing fake recruitment notifications, call letters and other incriminating material. Eight ATM cards, appointment letters, recruitment notifications and other documents were also seized.

The accused allegedly switched off his phones while moving around Vijayawada to evade detection.  However, the CID team analysed digital footprints and used technical surveillance to trace and arrest him. Preliminary investigation indicated that nearly 60 victims were cheated of around Rs 93 lakh, while around 16 cases have been registered against Gopal in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in connection with similar job-fraud activities.