ED searches 15 locations in six states over fake government job letter scam
Agency probes organised racket that duped aspirants with fraudulent appointment emails across multiple departments The ED (Enforcement Directorate) on Thursday conducted searches at 15 locations across six states in connection with a money laundering probe into a racket that allegedly issued fraudulent joining letters for government jobs, officials said. According to the agency, an organised gang is under investigation for impersonating government departments and cheating job aspirants through fake appointment communications. The searches are being carried out by the ED’s Patna zonal office in Bihar, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. Officials said the scam was initially detected in cases linked to the Railways, but a deeper probe revealed that the network had expanded its operations to more than 40 government organisations and departments. These include the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB), Railway Protection Force (RPF), India Post, Income Tax Department, Public Works Departments (PWDs), the Bihar government, the Delhi Development Authority, the Rajasthan Secretariat, and even some high courts, among others. According to the ED, the gang created fake email accounts that closely resembled official government domains and used them to send out fraudulent appointment and joining letters to unsuspecting candidates. Also Read: ED questions Jai Anmol Ambani in Yes Bank probe; Delhi HC scraps Union Bank fraud tag To build credibility and avoid early suspicion, the accused allegedly paid two to three months’ salary to some victims who were “appointed” to posts such as Railway TTEs, technicians and RPF personnel, before disappearing with larger sums of money. Search operations were carried out at multiple locations, including: Bihar: Muzaffarpur and Motihari West Bengal: Kolkata Kerala: Ernakulam, Pandalam, Adoor and Kodur Tamil Nadu: Chennai Gujarat: Rajkot Uttar Pradesh: Gorakhpur, Prayagraj and Lucknow Officials said the probe is being conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to trace the proceeds of crime and identify the full extent of the network involved in the fraud. The ED is examining financial trails, digital evidence and communication records to establish how the gang operated across states and the total number of victims affected. Further action will be taken based on the outcome of the searches and ongoing investigation, officials said. Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx India is a member of several multilateral groupings on both sides of the geostrategic ‘divide’, its participation in the Quad and BRICS presents fascinating and sometimes contradictory dilemmas for the country. However, these forums serve as important arenas for India to assert its strategic interests, enhance its economic influence and foster international partnerships. India's role in the Quad Security and Defense Cooperation: Its member countries enhance military and security cooperation to ensure regional security. India is an important partner in this and strengthens its defense capabilities through this alliance. Free and Open Indo-Pacific: It aims to ensure a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. India supports this vision and works towards balancing China's growing influence in the region. In 2018, India attempted to align the objectives of the Quad with SAGAR and IPOI. These initiatives aim to prevent Chinese aggression in the oceans. Economic and Technological Cooperation: Quad countries promote cooperation in various economic and technological areas, including supply chain security, 5G networks, and emerging technologies. India enhances its economic and technological capabilities by taking advantage of this cooperation. Humanitarian and Disaster Relief: Its member countries cooperate in natural disasters and humanitarian crises. India plays an important role in this, especially in assistance and relief operations in regional disasters. Regional Stability: Through this, India works together with other member countries for regional stability and peace. This alliance gives India a strong voice on regional issues. Formation of AUKUS India formed AUKUS with the US, Australia and the UK with the aim of enhancing its military capabilities. Specifically, it was formed with Australia's nuclear submarines, with the focus on security of the Indo-Pacific region and deterring China. Quad The Quad, also known as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QSD), is an informal strategic forum. The idea of forming the Quad was put forward by the then Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, in 2007. Countries involved: United States of America (USA), India, Australia and Japan. Objective: Working for a free, open, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific region Keeping the strategic sea lanes in the Indo-Pacific region free from any military or political influence It is basically seen as a strategic grouping to reduce Chinese domination. Securing a rule-based global order, freedom of navigation and a liberal trade system Offering alternative debt financing for the countries of the Indo-Pacific region The Malabar military exercise is a major naval military exercise of the Quad group. Strengths of BRICS Economic Potential: Combined, the economies of the BRICS countries are worth more than $28.5 trillion – about 28% of the global economy. These countries contribute significantly to global economic growth and have huge markets, resources and productivity potential. Population: The combined population of the BRICS countries is about 3.5 billion, which is 45% of the world's total population. This gives them a huge consumer base, which further boosts economic growth. Natural Resources: The BRICS countries are rich in natural resources, including energy resources (such as oil, gas and coal), minerals and agricultural products. The production and export of these resources strengthens their economic potential. Technological and Scientific Development: There has been a lot of progress in technological and scientific research and development in the BRICS countries. India and China are particularly leading in information technology and innovation. Role in Global Politics: The BRICS organization plays an important role in global forums. These countries represent the interests of developing countries and push for improved global governance. Cooperation and Trade: Trade and investment among the BRICS countries is growing. Through mutual cooperation, these countries can solve their economic, social and environmental challenges. Importance of BRICS for India Economic Cooperation: BRICS facilitates economic cooperation through initiatives such as the New Development Bank (NDB), which aims to finance infrastructure projects in member countries. India is a founding member of the New Development Bank. Global Governance Reform: India uses BRICS as a platform to advocate for reform of international financial institutions such as the IMF and the World Bank, aimed at increasing the voice and representation of emerging economies in global economic governance. Cultural and Educational Exchange: BRICS promotes cultural and educational exchanges, fostering people-to-people ties and enhancing mutual understanding among member countries. BRICS It is an abbreviation for the group of the world's leading emerging economies. The term BRIC was first used in 2001 by British economist Jim O'Neill for the four emerging economies Brazil, Russia, India and China. Introduction: Joint meeting of Foreign Ministers of Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC) in 2006 Regular summits held since 2009 BRIC changed to BRICS after South Africa joined the organization in the 2010 summit. New Development Bank: In 2014, BRICS countries established a new bank to promote infrastructure. Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates have been included in BRICS from 1 January 2024. Challenges before India Weakened position of the United Nations Security Council: Violations of international laws in the Ukraine war and the Israel-Gaza conflict and the strengthening axis of Russia, China, North Korea and Iran weaken the prospects of reform of the United Nations Security Council. Growing Chinese influence: Chinese influence is growing not only in the Indo-Pacific region but also elsewhere. ASEAN countries are becoming increasingly weak, with the South China Sea being a flashpoint. China giving the Quad the status of an Asian NATO Some Quad members and European countries are increasing bilateral relations with China India's closeness to Russia: India's independent policy of close ties with Russia and seeking a diplomatic solution to the Ukraine war may negatively impact India's relations with Western countries. Expansion of BRICS: India is not in favor of expanding BRICS. In 2018, the Russian President also quoted former South African President Nelson Mandela to underline his reluctance to expand BRICS. But after the Quad and the Ukraine situation, Russia too realising the potential of BRICS has extended its support to China to push back the West. Conclusion *India needs to engage more in the BRICS organisation to maintain its position. Since India is the only country involved in both the Quad and BRICS, it cannot afford to undermine one for the other.* *xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx* *What Mamta hides? *https://youtu.be/WzDDQUeZw-0 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx *KR IRS 9126* *Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx* -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Thatha_Patty" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/CAL5XZopC6C1xS6%3DXC6178rLp%2B%3D%2BV2%3Dd2d682jHGnwA9%2Be0V-jA%40mail.gmail.com.
