The Crime Branch (CB) team has arrested two men, Sayyed Abdullah Sheikh, a resident of Vasco, and Mastan Khan alias Pathan, from Margao, for allegedly posing as overseas recruitment agents and duping 12 Indian women, including several from Goa, with promises of jobs in Muscat.
The duo’s arrest followed a complaint lodged by a self-rescued victim, who sought assistance from the NGO ARZ. During a press conference, SP Rahul Gupta of the CB revealed that the victim was sent to Muscat under the guise of securing a housemaid job but was instead sexually exploited by one of the accused, Sheikh, and was deprived of proper food and accommodation.
“The woman managed to contact her family, who arranged for her return to India. She booked a return ticket and later narrated her ordeal to the NGO and the Crime Branch. She also revealed that 11 other women from various parts of India were trafficked and trapped under similar conditions in Muscat,” said Gupta.
Further investigation revealed that the two illegal agents charged each victim ₹35,000 for the job placement. The Crime Branch is now working with the Indian Embassy in Oman through the Ministry of Home Affairs to facilitate the return of the remaining 11 women.
In light of this case, the CB will inspect all recruitment agencies across Goa, both legal and illegal, to take necessary action. SP Gupta also urged the public to verify recruitment agents and to always check visa types and employment contracts before accepting overseas jobs.
