In a significant crackdown on fraudulent travel agencies, the Punjab Police’s NRI and Cyber Crime wings, in collaboration with the Protectorate of Emigrants, Chandigarh, have taken decisive action against agencies deceiving young job seekers. This initiative comes in response to a troubling rise in the number of individuals being misled into risky and illegal situations abroad.
Authorities have identified and booked 25 travel agencies across the state for unlawfully advertising job opportunities on social media platforms, primarily Instagram and Facebook. These agencies have been accused of luring young people with promises of “sure shot” employment in foreign countries under the guise of minimal documentation.
ADGP Praveen K. Sinha reported that these agencies were operating without the necessary licenses and permissions. “Our investigation involved thorough checks of online platforms and verification of the agencies’ credentials. Based on our findings, FIRs have been registered against them,” Sinha stated.
The crackdown has led to the registration of 20 FIRs under Sections 24 and 25 of the Emigration Act at various NRI police stations throughout Punjab, including those in Amritsar, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, Patiala, Sangrur, and SAS Nagar.
This operation specifically targeted illegal agencies that have been using social media to exploit vulnerable individuals, particularly youths, by promising them lucrative overseas jobs while defrauding them of their money. In some distressing cases, these agencies have tricked individuals into joining the Russian army amid ongoing conflicts.
NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Dhaliwal has vowed that the government will pursue strict measures against these illegal travel agents, underscoring the administration’s commitment to protecting its citizens from such fraudulent practices.
The crackdown highlights a growing concern about the exploitation of young job seekers and aims to ensure that travel agencies operate within legal boundaries to prevent future incidents of deception and fraud.
