THANE (Monday, March 30, 2026) — Police in Thane district have registered a criminal case against three individuals for allegedly defrauding a 38-year-old carpenter of ₹2.92 lakh. The victim, a resident of Badlapur (East), was promised a lucrative job at a shopping mall in Russia, but was left stranded after the accused stopped responding once the money was transferred.
The Modus Operandi: A Fake International Placement
The fraud began when the complainant was approached by a representative of a local travel and placement firm.
- The Promise: The accused assured the carpenter that they had tie-ups with major commercial establishments in Russia and could secure him a position at a prominent mall.
- The Payments: Between October 2024 and February 2025, the victim paid a total of ₹2.92 lakh in multiple installments. The accused claimed these funds were for “visa processing fees,” “work permits,” and “mandatory security deposits.”
- The Disappearance: After receiving the final payment, the accused failed to provide any travel documents or employment contracts. They eventually switched off their mobile phones and vacated their office premises.
Legal Action and Investigation
Following a formal complaint by the victim, the Badlapur East Police initiated a probe into the recruitment firm’s operations.
| Case Detail | Information |
| Complainant | 38-year-old carpenter from Badlapur (East). |
| Total Loss | ₹2,92,000 |
| Charges | Sections related to Cheating (Section 318) and Criminal Breach of Trust (Section 316) under the BNS. |
| Status | FIR registered against three named individuals; search for the accused is underway. |
Context: The Surge in Overseas Job Scams
This incident follows a broader trend of “job fraud” targeting blue-collar workers in Maharashtra, often involving fake placements in Eastern Europe or Russia.
- The “Russia” Lure: Investigators have noted an increase in scams involving Russian work visas, sometimes used as a front for human trafficking or illegal recruitment into high-risk zones.
- Red Flags: Police have cautioned citizens to verify the Registration Number of recruitment agents with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on the eMigrate portal before making any payments.
Sources
- Press Trust of India (PTI): “Thane man cheated on promise of job in Russia; 3 booked” (March 30, 2026).
- The Times of India: “Badlapur carpenter loses ₹2.9 lakh in Russian job scam” (March 30, 2026).
- Mid-Day: “Thane: Three booked for defrauding carpenter over fake Russia job” (March 30, 2026).
- Official Statement: Public Relations Officer, Thane City Police (March 30, 2026).
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