Nurses were cheated of Rs 2.35 crore, accused uses money to buy luxury vehicles

KOCHI: Firoz Khan, the owner of 'Take Off' recruiting agency in Kaloor, Ernakulam, has swindled more than Rs 2.35 crore by offering nursing jobs in Dubai. The details of 94 victims of the scam have been revealed. Two and a half to three lakh rupees were extorted from each employee. About 500 people are said to be victims of the scam.

Firoz Khan, 42, who was taken into custody yesterday, and Sathar, 50, of Pallikkal house in Kompanamuri in Cherthala's Arukutty in Dubai, were arrested and remanded. The arrest of the Kollam resident has not been recorded.

Police received more than a dozen complaints yesterday following the release of the arrest information. The scope of the fraud is likely to increase. There may be more arrests.

Firoz used the stolen money to buy luxury vehicles. He is also accused in several visa fraud cases and had financial dealings of buying and selling second-hand luxury vehicles. An investigation has been launched to find the vehicles.

Accused were taken to the institution and evidence was taken. It is learned that a note counting machine was also seized. Police are investigating whether the employees of the establishment were aware of the scam. Steps have been taken to repatriate the accused's accomplices in Dubai.

There are fraud cases against Firoz Khan at Ernakulam Central, Maradu and Cherthala stations. He was released on bail in a case filed by the North police for cheating by offering jobs abroad.

Firoz was caught up in a complaint lodged with the Chief Minister by nurses who could not get a job two months after arriving in Dubai on a visiting visa. He was caught trying to fly to Delhi from Kozhikode.

Enchanting promises

The promises were a job within a week, a monthly salary of Rs 1.5 lakh, free accommodation and food. Candidates were trapped by advertising that nurses were needed for Covid vaccination duty. The scam was perpetrated by other agencies as Take Off did not have a recruiting license. Agents in Dubai withdrew after spending all the money to buy vehicles.

The nurses who arrived in Dubai were forced to work in home care or a massage centre. Not enough food and accommodation was provided. The certificates were handed over to the people of the agency. The nurses complained after they realized they were cheated. Many hospitals have come forward to help distressed nurses.