Mangaluru: Kerala-based agency allegedly defrauds over 130 job seekers

Mangaluru: A Kerala-based agency has allegedly defrauded over 130 individuals from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, promising them jobs in Israel. Victims claim that the agency collected passports and money but provided fake offer letters for a non-existent company in Israel.

According to sources, job aspirants handed over their passports to a consultancy in Mangaluru, which forwarded them to the Kerala-based agency, Space International. The victims reported that they were issued offer letters from Kohen Employment Group LLC, a fake company in Israel. The agency also demanded payment to return the passports, with some victims alleging they were forced to pay Rs. 60,000 each.

Consultancy’s Statement

Rohit, a representative of the Mangaluru consultancy, stated that a contact in Kerala had informed them about job opportunities in Israel through the NSDC (National Skill Development Corporation). Based on this information, they connected with Space International, which appeared to be a licensed agency.

“We sent 130 passports to Space International, agreeing to pay only after receiving the visas. However, after 20 days, we received fake offer letters. Upon verification with a contact in Israel, we learned that the company mentioned in the letters does not exist,” Rohit explained.

Rohit claimed that when confronted, Space International denied the allegations and pointed to their online presence. However, they refused to return the passports without payment. Over 1,000 people across India might have been defrauded similarly, he said.

Complaints and Challenges

Several victims said they have lodged complaints with Kerala police and the immigration department, but no action has been taken so far. A case has been registered at the Shirva police station in Udupi district. Many victims are unable to travel for other job opportunities due to the loss of their passports.

Victim’s Plight

Pritam from Beltangady, one of the victims, said, “I submitted my passport and Aadhaar card to Rohit’s consultancy, which forwarded them to the Kerala agency. Now, they’ve issued a fake offer letter and are refusing to return my passport. I cannot pursue jobs in other countries without it.”

Victims have urged authorities to take swift action to retrieve their passports and ensure justice.