Two Ukrainian nationals have been arrested for duping Nepalis with a false promise of work abroad.

Vitalii Bilyi and his partner Natalia Melnychuk, who had come to Nepal on tourist visa, were found running a private firm called People Work Group in Putalisadak, Kathmandu.  

Tipped off by the Labour Ministry, a special team of the Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE) and Metropolitan Police Crime Division (MPCD) arrested the duo from Maitidevi.

According to Madan Khanal, press coordinator at the ministry, they were alluring unemployed Nepalis through social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. “Once Nepalis would come in touch with them, they would demand a minimum Rs200,000 in advance for work visa in Poland,” said Khanal, adding they would ask unsuspecting victims to go to India for final phase of screening.

Arrested Ukrainian would demand Rs 700,000 for a cleaning job in Poland and ask an additional Rs 250,000 if someone wished to take his/her partner along, said one victim  requesting anonimity.

A week after landing in Nepal on July 23, the Ukrainian had set up the company registering it as the one dealing in computer softwares and information dissemination.

The team has seized all the documents from their office and the investigation is on, said police. (PR)