A cybercrime investigation in Andhra Pradesh has led to the arrest of Saladi Ram Gopal, who allegedly targeted unemployed youth with fake government recruitment offers linked to the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
The Andhra Pradesh CID cybercrime police registered a case after receiving a complaint about forged recruitment notifications, interview letters, appointment orders and training documents. Investigators analysed digital footprints, email accounts and financial transactions before arresting the accused based on technical evidence.
According to investigators, Ram Gopal allegedly operated a fake government job racket using a 2021 newspaper advertisement that claimed recruitment under the Union Health Ministry. He reportedly collected candidates’ details through a fake email and persuaded them to make payments. Forged recruitment notifications, appointment letters and training documents carrying government emblems and official addresses were allegedly used to convince victims.
“The accused allegedly recruited persons through OLX and used their bank accounts as mule accounts for receiving money from victims, offering them around 30% commission while retaining the remaining amount and keeping their ATM cards for withdrawals. He also opened a bank account in the name of ‘AYUSHMAN BHARAT FOUNDATION’ to gain the confidence of victims and allegedly used rental cars to project himself as a high-ranking government official during meetings,” said the investigators.
“Preliminary investigation indicates that nearly 60 victims were cheated by the accused, involving a total amount of approximately Rs 93 lakh. Around 16 cases have been registered against him in AP and Telangana in connection with similar job-fraud activities. The CID is examining his involvement in other cases and identifying additional victims and associates,” said CID officials.
Investigators found that the allegedly defrauded money was invested in real estate. Bank accounts, transactions and properties linked to the accused are being examined to trace the proceeds of crime. The alleged procurement and use of government emblem stamps and seals obtained from the Patamata area are also under investigation.
The CID has advised unemployed youth not to trust government job offers made through backdoor channels or intermediaries in exchange for money. Candidates have been urged to verify recruitment notifications only through official government channels.
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