Scam Exposed: Be Aware !!!!
In a shocking revelation that has shaken many Nepali families with dreams of a better future, two men were arrested for pulling off one of the biggest employment scams in recent years. On June 7, the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office arrested Laxman Parajuli and Arunraj Sharma from Naikap, Kathmandu. The charge? Cheating 38 individuals out of over Rs. 11 crore by luring them with false promises of high-paying UK jobs.
The two men had crafted what looked like a golden ticket to the United Kingdom—a dream job offer complete with impressive salaries, processing support, and overseas perks. But it was all a carefully crafted lie. They had no official links to UK companies or any legal rights to provide foreign employment services.
The Dream That Turned Into a Nightmare
Like many young Nepalis hoping to improve their lives and support their families, the 38 victims believed they had finally found a reliable way out. They were told that high-paying jobs in the UK were available—jobs that didn’t need university degrees, just a small investment and some paperwork.
Parajuli and Sharma had been operating smoothly for months, if not years, using social media platforms, WhatsApp groups, and even face-to-face meetings to gain trust. Many victims said they were shown fake offer letters, employment contracts, and visa documents.
Some even claimed they had visited a furnished office where the scammers posed as authorized agents. Everything seemed so real, from the brochures to the uniforms. In reality, it was all a smokescreen.
The two accused collected amounts ranging from Rs. 3 lakh to over Rs. 10 lakh per person. When the victims started demanding updates on their visas or flight tickets, they were given excuses, delays, or promises of urgent follow-ups. Eventually, both men disappeared without a trace.
Behind the Scenes: How the Arrest Happened
The scam came to light after several victims filed complaints at different police stations across the Kathmandu Valley. Their stories shared a hauntingly similar pattern—lost money, fake paperwork, and broken dreams.
Following weeks of surveillance and investigation, the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office tracked the suspects to Naikap. Officers carried out a quiet operation and arrested both individuals on June 7. They were found hiding in a rented house and reportedly had plans to flee again.
Now, they have been handed over to the Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE), the authorized body in Nepal to investigate and act on foreign employment-related crimes.
The department has begun a detailed investigation, which includes checking if the two have cheated more people, what financial records they left behind, and if others were involved.
What Authorities Are Saying
According to a spokesperson from the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office, this is one of the biggest job scams in recent months. “The scammers used emotional and economic pressure points to trick their victims. They knew people were desperate for foreign jobs. That’s how they gained trust,” the officer said.
The DoFE has also issued a public notice urging people to stay cautious and verify employment offers through legal channels. They’ve reminded the public that only licensed agencies are allowed to process foreign employment, and individuals should never hand over large sums of cash to unknown persons or unregistered groups.
Voices of the Victims
Many of the cheated individuals are now emotionally and financially shattered. A 27-year-old man from Chitwan said he sold his motorcycle and borrowed money from relatives to pay Rs. 6 lakh to the scammers. “I thought I was going to work in a hotel in London. They even gave me a job letter. Now I don’t even have a job in Nepal, and I owe people money,” he said.
Another victim, a 34-year-old woman from Butwal, shared that she mortgaged her land to gather Rs. 8 lakh. “They said it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I was ready to do any job there. I feel like a fool now.”
A Pattern of Exploitation
This case highlights a troubling pattern in Nepal’s foreign employment sector. Thousands of people leave the country every month in search of jobs in the Gulf, Malaysia, and increasingly, Europe and the UK. But with hope comes risk, and many fall into the traps set by fraudsters posing as "agents" with international connections.
Often, these scammers operate in networks, have knowledge of visa systems, and even forge documentation that appears authentic. Since many victims are from rural areas or lack legal literacy, they become easy targets.
The Road Ahead
While Parajuli and Sharma are now in custody, the damage they caused is far-reaching. Authorities are urging other victims to come forward so that a stronger legal case can be built. This will also help identify if more scammers are still operating in the shadows.
The Department of Foreign Employment is working to verify the money trail and has asked banks to freeze the assets of the accused. Officials say they’re also looking into whether the accused have committed similar frauds in the past.
Nepal Police has reiterated the importance of awareness and has promised stronger coordination with embassies, labor offices, and local governments to prevent such scams from occurring in the future.
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