The Holiday That Never Happened: How A Fake Travel Company Allegedly Tricked Dozens Of People In Pokhara
Police in Pokhara have arrested two men accused of collecting money from people by advertising holiday trips to destinations across Asia and Europe through an allegedly fraudulent tourism business. Investigators say around 30 people paid a combined Rs 965,000, while 15 job seekers were reportedly recruited and used to support the operation.
Pokhara police arrested 26-year-old Bibek Regmi of Kanchanpur and 30-year-old Mohammad Yashir of Karnataka, India, during a joint operation at a rented property in Pokhara Metropolitan City-5. The arrests were made after authorities received information that the suspects were allegedly operating a deceptive holiday and gift scheme through a company called Oasis Tourism International.
How Customers Were Approached
According to police, the company reached potential customers through telephone calls and digital platforms. People were asked to complete promotional holiday coupons that advertised overseas travel opportunities and attractive gifts. Investigators believe the offers were used to convince customers to deposit money, despite the promised trips not being arranged.
Nearly Rs 10 Lakh Collected
Initial police findings suggest that the suspects had received approximately Rs 965,000 from 30 individuals. Authorities are examining transaction details and company records to determine whether more people were affected or whether additional money was collected through the same method.
Job Seekers Allegedly Used
The company had also employed 15 unemployed young people after offering them job opportunities. Police suspect that some of these workers may have been unknowingly or deliberately involved in contacting customers, distributing coupons or carrying out other activities connected to the alleged scam.
Materials Recovered During Raid
During the search, police confiscated two computer monitors, eight registers and record books, six coupon receipt books, four company stamps and several printed coupon copies. Investigators are reviewing the seized materials to identify customers, financial transactions and other possible individuals connected to the business.
Further Investigation Underway
Police are continuing their investigation into how the company operated, where the collected money was transferred and whether similar schemes were conducted in other areas. Authorities are also working to determine the exact roles of the arrested suspects and the recruited employees.
Published 4 hours ago in Crime