An Indian man is under investigation over promising lucrative jobs in what is believed to be a fraudulent scheme that left hopeful workers high and dry.

Anil Kumar Ghanta, an apparent employment agent, is under investigation for alleged fraud related to promising lucrative jobs across the Maltese Islands.

The investigation, led by police in Hyderabad, India, follows a complaint filed by Mohammed Idris, who was deported from Malta after being charged for providing false documents to Identità, the Maltese agency responsible for identity verification, Times of Malta reported.

Idris, along with several others, claimed to have paid substantial sums to Ghanta’s employment agency, Abroad Study Plan, for job opportunities in Malta.

However, upon arrival, they discovered discrepancies in the documents provided by Ghanta, including a fake rental agreement and forged Housing Authority approval.

Check out a video promoting Abroad Study Plan’s successes in Malta that’s been uploaded to YouTube:

Despite the financial transactions, many individuals, including Idris, did not secure the promised employment and faced legal repercussions for submitting fraudulent documents.

Idris, for instance, pleaded guilty to charges of providing false information and forgery to avoid imprisonment, leading to his deportation.

Ghanta, while acknowledging police questioning, denied responsibility for providing housing or medical documents, emphasising his role in employment-related paperwork. He refuted allegations of issuing forged documents and attributed the accusations to attempts to tarnish his consultancy’s reputation.

Interestingly, the case echoes previous instances where third-country nationals encountered challenges with Maltese visa and work regulations.

Lovin Malta had previously highlighted the complexities faced by individuals from countries like India and Bangladesh in navigating Malta’s employment landscape, oftentimes leaving them in legally murky situations, and thousands of euros down.

The situation intensifies as two other Indian nationals, Kandala Siva and Dasari Saiteja, face charges of document forgery. They maintain their innocence, alleging they were unaware of the fraudulent nature of the documents they submitted.

Legal proceedings reveal inconsistencies in Identità’s investigation, raising questions about due process and legal rights for the accused.

As the investigation unfolds, it underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in Malta’s visa and employment processes. Instances of exploitation and fraud highlight the vulnerability of migrant workers and the importance of robust safeguards to protect their rights and ensure fair treatment in the labor market.

The unfolding saga involving Ghanta and others serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by migrants seeking opportunities in Malta and underscores the imperative for comprehensive reforms to address systemic issues and safeguard the interests of all stakeholders involved.