Bengaluru: A couple has been arrested in Bengaluru for allegedly duping hundreds of job seekers by promising government jobs in the court system, in a scam estimated to be worth around ₹25 crore.
The accused, identified as Jason D’Souza and Lavina, were arrested by the Central Crime Branch (CCB), which described the operation as a well-organised fraud targeting unemployed youth and private sector employees.
Victims charged up to ₹25 lakh
According to police officials, the couple allegedly collected amounts ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹25 lakh from each victim, promising D-group jobs in various courts. The total amount swindled is estimated to be around ₹25 crore.
To make their scheme appear legitimate, the accused reportedly forged signatures of judges and issued fake appointment orders. These documents were used to convince victims that their recruitment into government service was genuine.
When victims later followed up on their job status, the accused allegedly delayed responses with excuses and eventually stopped communication altogether.
Fake verification process used
Investigators revealed that in several cases, victims were called to private hotels under the pretext of document verification. During these meetings, they were shown counterfeit offer letters and other fabricated documents to strengthen the illusion of authenticity.
This elaborate setup helped the accused gain the trust of victims, many of whom were desperate for secure government employment.
Network of agents uncovered
Police have also uncovered a wider network of agents who played a key role in expanding the scam. These agents reportedly identified potential victims, convinced them to pay large sums, and collected commissions before passing the remaining money to the accused.
The use of intermediaries allowed the couple to reach a larger number of people while maintaining distance from direct interactions in some cases.
Repeat offence raises concern
During the investigation, officials found that the accused had previously been arrested in 2024 in connection with a similar job fraud case. After being released, they allegedly resumed their activities, raising concerns about repeat offences and gaps in monitoring.
Following multiple complaints from victims, cases were registered at various police stations, prompting the CCB to take up a detailed probe.
Investigation continues
The CCB is currently interrogating the accused to determine the full extent of the fraud. Efforts are underway to identify additional victims and trace others involved in the network.
Officials are also examining financial transactions to track the flow of money and recover possible assets linked to the scam.
Conclusion
The case highlights the growing threat of job-related fraud targeting vulnerable job seekers. Authorities have urged the public to verify recruitment processes through official channels and avoid making payments for government jobs. The investigation is expected to reveal more details about the scale and operation of the scam.