The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a First Information Report (FIR) against several visa consultancy firms and agents for allegedly deceiving youths by offering them lucrative jobs in the Russia-Ukraine war zone.
As per a report by the Indian Express, multiple CBI teams conducted searches across 15 locations in seven cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Thiruvananthapuram, Ambala, Madurai, and Chennai.
Many suspects have been detained for questioning in various locations. Approximately 35 cases of individuals being sent abroad under false job promises have been confirmed, with efforts underway to identify more victims. The investigation is ongoing, a CBI spokesperson mentioned.
Incriminating items seized by CBI
During the raids, the CBI seized Rs 50 lakh in cash, incriminating documents, and electronic evidence including mobile phones, laptops, desktop computers, and CCTV footage.
The CBI spokesperson revealed that the agency has dismantled significant human trafficking networks operating nationwide, which are preying on vulnerable youths with promises of attractive foreign job opportunities.
Among the accused are M/s 24×7 RAS Overseas Foundation and its director Suyash Mukut based in New Delhi, M/s O.S.D Bros Travels & Visa Services Pvt Ltd. and its director Rakesh Pandey in Mumbai, M/s Adventure Visa Services Pvt Ltd. and its director Manjeet Singh in Punjab (Chandigarh), and Baba Vlogs Overseas Recruitment Solutions Pvt Ltd. in Dubai, along with its director Faisal Abdul Mutalib Khan, also known as Baba.
The job scam which landed Indian youths in Russia-Ukraine war
A common thread consisting of desperation for a job, a YouTube channel that provided hope, and a lie that became clear only after landing in Moscow – connected the Indian youths trapped fighting in the Russia- Ukraine war.
Indian Express spoke to the families of men on how they were deceived into applying for jobs as helpers in Russian government offices but were forced to head to the frontlines, putting their lives in danger.
From Telangana, Mohammed Afsan (30) of Hyderabad and Mohammed Sufiyan (23) of Narayanpet district went to Moscow in November and December respectively. “They were duped. The agent who recruited them said they would work in Moscow only; instead, they were given 15-day training and dropped in Ukraine, where they are being forced to stay alongside Russian troops fighting the war,” said Afsan’s brother Mohammed Imran.
Shockingly, 30-year-old Mohammed Afsan from Telangana was reportedly killed on the frontlines of war.
Most of these youth were duped by a YouTube channel that often advertises jobs in the Gulf. In one video, Faisal Khan says he has studied only until class VI and earns Rs 80,000 a month.
“He came in contact with an agent named Faisal Khan, who runs a YouTube channel, and was brainwashed into applying for this job in Moscow, saying he would never earn more,” said Saiyed Salman, brother of Mohammed Sufiyan.
A few days back, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India is trying its best for an “early discharge” of around 20 Indian nationals working as support staff to the Russian army.
MEA official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “It is our understanding that there are 20-odd people (Indians) who have gone there to work as support staff or as helpers with the Russian army,” he said while adding that the government is trying their level best for their early discharge