KADAKKAL: Police have arrested Vithura native Saji (46) for allegedly swindling nearly half a crore rupees from hundreds of youths by offering them visas at a security company in Qatar. The arrest was made on the complaint of Shanooj, Ananthu, Siju Varghese and Rajesh from Kadakkal. The accused was handed over to the Kadakkal police.

Police said that Saji had worked as a security guard at a company in Qatar for three years. After returning home, he deceived the youths by saying that he was a member of the company and that there were many vacancies in the company. Following this, he obtained money from several youths by offering them jobs in the company. He created a fake WhatsApp group that included these youngsters and two people who worked for the company. The pictures of the company and the way it works were all posted in the group. With this, the youths believed that he was a genuine member of the company. Saji obtained Rs 40000-50000 from each of them. He then informed them through Whatsapp that they will have to wait more time as the air ticket price was high.

The youths started contacting him as they did not get visas four months after paying the amount. In the beginning, he used to respond to their calls. Later, he started avoiding their calls. They realised that Saji was a swindler after enquiring about him in Vithura.

It was only when one of the youngsters contacted the company through a friend in Qatar that they realized that the company was recruiting only through NORKA. The youths, who were convinced of the scam, lodged complaints at police stations in Kadakkal, Chithara and Pangode. A look-out notice was then issued. It is learnt that more people have fallen victim to the scam. The money was used for a life of luxury.