Key Takeaways
• On May 24, 2025, Odisha Crime Branch arrested Cambodia-based NRI Bishnu Prasad Pattanaik for international job scams.
• Pattanaik tricked young Indians with fake high-paying aviation and engineering jobs, defrauding victims of lakhs of rupees.
• Over 1,200 Indians rescued from Southeast Asia; government and Interpol strengthen efforts against job fraud networks.
On May 24, 2025, Odisha’s Crime Branch made a major breakthrough in the fight against international job scams by arresting Bishnu Prasad Pattanaik, a 60-year-old Cambodia-based Non-Resident Indian (NRI). Pattanaik was taken into custody from his residence in Begunia, Khurda district, Odisha, after years of evading Indian law enforcement. He is accused of deceiving highly educated Indian youths with false promises of high-paying jobs abroad, especially in the aviation and engineering sectors. This arrest is the result of a long investigation and highlights the growing threat of cross-border job fraud targeting Indian jobseekers.
Who Is Bishnu Prasad Pattanaik and What Happened?
Bishnu Prasad Pattanaik, originally from Odisha, had been living in Cambodia 🇰🇭 since 2012. He moved there to avoid arrest after several fraud cases were registered against him in India. According to the Crime Branch, Pattanaik ran what he claimed was an IT-cum-job consultancy firm in Cambodia. However, police say he used this business as a front to trick Indian jobseekers into paying large sums of money for fake job offers in countries like the United Kingdom 🇬🇧, Germany 🇩🇪, and Thailand 🇹🇭.
Pattanaik’s arrest came after he returned to India, possibly believing that the risk of being caught had lessened. Acting on a tip-off, a Crime Branch team led by Inspector Raj Kishore Behera apprehended him at his home. As reported by VisaVerge.com, this arrest is a significant step in India’s ongoing efforts to dismantle international job scam networks that have victimized thousands of Indians.
How Did the Scam Work?
Pattanaik’s method was both simple and effective. He targeted highly educated young Indians, especially those looking for jobs in aviation and engineering. He promised them lucrative positions abroad, often in well-known companies or sectors. To gain their trust, he impersonated respected professionals—sometimes pretending to be a doctor, professor, or engineer. He also used forged passports and fake documents to make his operation look legitimate.
Victims were asked to pay large sums of money as “processing fees” or “placement charges.” In two major cases from 2018, Pattanaik allegedly defrauded an aeronautical engineer of ₹90 lakh (about $108,000) and an electronics engineer of ₹15 lakh (about $18,000). After collecting the money, he would cut off contact, leaving the victims with no job and no way to recover their funds.
The Scale of the Problem: Data and Trends
Pattanaik’s case is not unique. In fact, it is part of a much larger trend of job scams targeting Indians, especially those seeking work in Southeast Asia. According to the Home Ministry, cybercrime and job scam cases involving countries like Cambodia 🇰🇭, Laos 🇱🇦, and Myanmar 🇲🇲 have surged in recent years. As of October 2024, there were 92,334 cases of digital arrest fraud reported, with scammers stealing around ₹6 crore (about $720,000) every day. In the first ten months of 2024 alone, the total amount lost to such scams reached ₹2,140 crore (about $257 million).
Over the past two and a half years, more than 1,200 Indians have been rescued and brought back home from Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. These numbers show just how widespread and damaging these scams have become.
Why Are Indian Jobseekers Targeted?
There are several reasons why Indian jobseekers are often targeted by international scam networks:
- High demand for overseas jobs: Many young Indians dream of working abroad for better pay and career opportunities.
- Lack of awareness: Some jobseekers are not aware of the risks involved in using unverified agents or consultancies.
- Weak regulation: Until recently, there was limited oversight of overseas recruitment agencies, making it easier for scammers to operate.
- Use of technology: Scammers use social media, fake websites, and messaging apps to reach a large number of potential victims quickly.
How Did Pattanaik Avoid Arrest for So Long?
The Bureau of Immigration had issued a Look Out Circular (LOC) against Bishnu Prasad Pattanaik on January 17, 2019. An LOC is an alert sent to immigration checkpoints to stop a person from leaving or entering the country. However, Pattanaik managed to avoid detection by not using air travel, which is where LOCs are most effective. The LOC expired in 2020, after which he continued to live in Cambodia 🇰🇭 and run his fraudulent operations.
Police say Pattanaik used multiple fake identities and forged documents to stay under the radar. He also changed his appearance and moved frequently, making it harder for authorities to track him down.
The Role of the Crime Branch and Law Enforcement
Odisha’s Crime Branch played a key role in Pattanaik’s arrest. The team, led by Inspector Raj Kishore Behera, worked for years to gather evidence, track financial transactions, and follow leads. According to DG (Crime Branch) Vinaytosh Mishra, Pattanaik is a “habitual fraudster” who used forged documents and persuasive communication to deceive his victims. Mishra has urged more victims to come forward, as their testimonies will help build a stronger case against Pattanaik and others involved in similar scams.
Law enforcement agencies across India are now working together to trace the financial trails left by scammers and to dismantle their networks. They are also cooperating with international agencies like Interpol, which has warned of a global human trafficking crisis linked to job scams.
Victims and Their Stories
The victims of these scams are often highly educated and come from middle-class families. Many have spent years studying and preparing for careers in fields like engineering and aviation. When they are offered what seems like a dream job abroad, they are eager to accept, sometimes borrowing money or selling assets to pay the required fees.
For example, in 2018, an aeronautical engineer lost ₹90 lakh after being promised a job in London. Another electronics engineer lost ₹15 lakh in a similar scam. These losses are not just financial; they also cause emotional distress, damage to reputations, and loss of trust in legitimate job opportunities.
What Should Victims Do? Step-by-Step Guidance
If you or someone you know has fallen victim to a job scam, it is important to act quickly. Here are the steps you should follow:
- Report to Police: File a complaint with your local police station as soon as possible. Provide all details, including any documents, emails, or messages related to the scam.
- Contact the Embassy: If you are abroad, reach out to the nearest Indian embassy or consulate. They have special hotlines and teams to help victims of job scams and human trafficking.
- Share Documentation: Give authorities all available information, such as job offer letters, travel details, and agent contacts. This will help them investigate and take action.
- Rescue and Repatriation: The embassy will work with local authorities to rescue victims and arrange for their safe return to India. Legal formalities must be completed before repatriation.
- Legal Action: Indian police will pursue criminal charges against the agents and traffickers involved. Victims may be asked to provide statements or testify in court.
For more information on how to get help, you can visit the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, which provides resources and emergency contact numbers for Indian nationals abroad.
Government and International Response
The Indian government has taken several steps to address the growing problem of international job scams:
- Advisories: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) regularly issues warnings to Indian citizens, advising them not to seek jobs abroad on tourist visas and to use only registered recruitment agencies.
- Rescue Operations: Indian embassies in Cambodia 🇰🇭, Laos 🇱🇦, and Thailand 🇹🇭 have ramped up efforts to rescue and repatriate victims. Over 1,200 Indians have been brought back home in the past two and a half years.
- Crackdown on Agents: Police have arrested several travel agents and deactivated thousands of SIM cards used in scams. Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav recently highlighted the arrest of agents involved in similar rackets, stressing the need for international cooperation.
- International Cooperation: Interpol and Southeast Asian governments are working closely with Indian authorities to dismantle trafficking and scam networks. Interpol Secretary General Jürgen Stock has called for stronger global police cooperation to tackle the crisis.
Policy Changes and Future Outlook
The arrest of Bishnu Prasad Pattanaik is expected to lead to further changes in how India regulates overseas recruitment and protects its citizens. Some likely developments include:
- Stricter Regulations: The government may introduce tighter rules for recruitment agencies, including mandatory registration and background checks.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: There will likely be more efforts to educate jobseekers about the risks of using unverified agents and the importance of checking the legitimacy of job offers.
- Better International Coordination: Indian authorities will continue to work with foreign governments and international agencies to track down scammers and rescue victims.
- Support for Victims: More resources may be provided to help victims recover financially and emotionally, including counseling and legal aid.
The Bigger Picture: Human Trafficking and Exploitation
Job scams are not just about financial fraud—they are often linked to human trafficking and forced labor. Many victims who travel abroad on fake job offers end up being forced to work in illegal call centers, cybercrime operations, or other exploitative jobs. They may have their passports taken away and be threatened with violence if they try to escape.
Interpol and other international agencies warn that these scams are expanding, now affecting victims from Africa, South America, Europe, and beyond. The Indian government has formed special panels and increased cooperation with other countries to address this crisis.
What Can Jobseekers Do to Protect Themselves?
If you are looking for a job abroad, here are some important tips to stay safe:
- Use Only Registered Agencies: Check if the recruitment agency is registered with the government. You can verify this on official websites.
- Be Wary of Upfront Fees: Legitimate employers usually do not ask for large sums of money upfront. Be suspicious if you are asked to pay high processing or placement fees.
- Verify Job Offers: Contact the company directly to confirm the job offer. Do not rely only on information provided by the agent.
- Check Visa Requirements: Always apply for the correct visa for your job. Do not travel on a tourist visa if you plan to work.
- Seek Advice: If you are unsure, ask for help from official sources like the Ministry of External Affairs or the Indian embassy in the destination country.
Implications for Stakeholders
- Jobseekers: Must be more cautious and informed when seeking jobs abroad. The risks of falling victim to scams are real and can have serious consequences.
- Families: Should support their loved ones in verifying job offers and reporting suspicious activities.
- Employers: Need to ensure their recruitment processes are transparent and do not involve unregistered agents.
- Law Enforcement: Must continue to track down scammers, freeze their assets, and work with international partners.
- Policy Makers: Should focus on closing legal loopholes and increasing penalties for those involved in human trafficking and job fraud.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for India
The arrest of Bishnu Prasad Pattanaik by the Crime Branch is a major step forward in India’s fight against international job scams. It sends a strong message to fraudsters and offers hope to victims still waiting for justice. However, the problem is far from solved. With thousands of Indians still at risk, it is vital for jobseekers to stay alert, for families to stay involved, and for authorities to keep up the pressure on scam networks.
For anyone considering a job abroad, remember: do your homework, use only trusted sources, and never pay large fees upfront. If you suspect a scam, report it immediately and seek help from official channels. The fight against job fraud is ongoing, but with greater awareness and stronger cooperation, it is possible to protect Indian citizens from falling prey to these dangerous schemes.
Learn Today
Crime Branch → Specialized police unit investigating complex crimes like fraud and organized crime within regions.
Look Out Circular (LOC) → Government alert to immigration checkpoints to stop a suspect from entering or leaving the country.
Non-Resident Indian (NRI) → An Indian citizen living outside India for employment or other purposes, maintaining legal ties home.
Repatriation → The process of returning victims or citizens safely back to their home country.
Interpol → International police organization that facilitates cooperation among countries to combat transnational crime.
This Article in a Nutshell
The Odisha Crime Branch arrested Bishnu Prasad Pattanaik for running international job scams targeting Indians with fake offers abroad. His arrest reveals growing cross-border fraud, prompting stronger cooperation among agencies to protect jobseekers and dismantle scam networks exploiting vulnerable professionals aiming to work overseas.
— By VisaVerge.com
