Delhi Police Arrest Visa Fraud Mastermind in Rs 40 Lakh Scam
Delhi Police EOW arrested Shantaram Barku Shelke for cheating 41 job seekers of Rs 40 lakh with fake visas and job offers for Russia and Israel.
The Delhi Police Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has successfully apprehended the alleged mastermind behind a massive visa fraud operation. The accused, identified as Shantaram Barku Shelke, is accused of defrauding 41 unemployed individuals of approximately Rs 40 lakh by promising them lucrative jobs in foreign countries.
The Grand Deception: Fake Visas and Dummy Tickets
Shelke, who operated a travel agency, allegedly used sophisticated methods to lure unsuspecting job seekers. According to investigators, the scam unfolded through a carefully orchestrated series of lies:
- Social Media Bait: The accused used various social media advertisements to target people looking for overseas employment.
- Fabricated Documents: To build trust, Shelke provided victims with fake visas, dummy air tickets, and forged job offer letters.
- Target Destinations: The fraudulent scheme specifically promised employment opportunities in Russia and Israel.
The deception was only uncovered when the victims arrived at the airport to begin their journey, only to be informed by officials that their travel documents were entirely counterfeit.
A Vanishing Act in Laxmi Nagar
When the victims realized they had been cheated, they attempted to reach Shelke and his associate, Asif. However, the duo had already prepared their escape. The victims found that the accused's mobile phones were switched off, and their office located in Laxmi Nagar had been completely abandoned.
The investigation revealed that Shelke had gone to great lengths to appear legitimate. He had operated his business from an office in Jawahar Park and had even obtained a GST registration to present his fraudulent enterprise as a lawful business. Financial trails showed that the stolen funds were funneled into both the firm's bank account and Shelke's personal account.
The Manhunt: From Delhi to Maharashtra
After the scam was reported, Shelke went into hiding, providing misleading addresses and disabling his mobile numbers to evade the law. The EOW launched an intensive investigation, which included:
- Recording statements from victims, landlords, and witnesses.
- Analyzing bank records, mobile phone data, and rent documents.
- Conducting field surveillance across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand.
Following the issuance of arrest warrants and a deep dive into technical and financial evidence, investigators finally traced the accused to Nalasopara in the Palghar district of Maharashtra. An EOW team moved in and arrested Shelke after completing the necessary legal procedures.
Ongoing Investigation
Shelke has been produced before a competent court for remand. The Delhi Police have stated that the investigation is ongoing as they work to verify the criminal history of the accused and uncover further details of the syndicate.