SRINAGAR: A disturbing case of passport misuse and exploitation has emerged from Wagub Sopore, where 21-year-old Momin Majeed Shah became a victim of a fraudulent job consultancy racket and is now facing serious consequences in China.
Meanwhile, Advisor to Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, and MLA Wagoora Kreeri Irfan Hafeez Lone assured about the safer return of Momin and his colleague from abroad.
Advisor to CM Nasir Aslam said, “I will take up the matter, will ensure a safer return of Momin.”
Momin, son of Abdul Majeed Shah, had travelled to China through agents who promised him a legal job in the crypto sector. However, he ended up in Laos, where his salary was withheld, his passport and phone were seized, and a ransom of Rs 60,000 was demanded for his release.
Although Momin and a colleague have now managed to reach the Indian Embassy in Vientiane, Laos, the situation remains grim. Their passports have been defaced by the employer with false accusations such as “stealing company resources” and “blacklisted,” potentially affecting their legal status, safety, and future travel.
The case has sparked fresh outrage in Sopore and other parts of north Kashmir, with families and citizens demanding a crackdown on fraudulent agents who lure youth abroad with fake job offers. The victim’s family has appealed to the CM of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah, Inspector General of Police, SSP Baramulla, MLA Wagoora and other authorities to take up the matter and ensure action against those responsible.
“We request verification and clearance of Momin’s record by CID upon his return. These false blacklists can ruin lives,” said a relative of Momin.
The Indian Embassy in Laos has assured support to Momin and is in touch with his family. However, pressure is mounting on the government to launch a wider investigation into travel agents operating across the Valley, especially in light of similar recent scams reported from Gulf countries.
Locals demand that the government take strict measures to regulate consultancy agents and prevent further exploitation of Kashmiri youth abroad. (JKNS)
