Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
The State Investigation Agency (SIA), Kashmir, on Thursday conducted searches at two residential premises in Kulgam and Qazigund as part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged transnational human trafficking and cyber fraud network, officials said.
According to an SIA spokesperson, searches were carried out at the residences of Gulam Nabi Khanday alias Charlie, Mohsin and Jerry Khan, a resident of Bungam Chewgam, Kulgam, and Ashiq Hussain Sheikh, a resident of Baghpora Yar Khushipora, Qazigund.
The searches form part of an investigation into a network allegedly involved in trafficking unemployed youth from Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the country on the pretext of overseas employment, before allegedly exploiting them in cyber fraud operations in Myanmar, the spokesperson said.
The operation was conducted in the early hours pursuant to search warrants issued by the competent court in connection with FIR No. 01/2026 of Police Station SIA Kashmir, the spokesperson said.
During the searches, the agency seized material allegedly relevant to the investigation, including mobile phones, identity-related documents, PAN cards, a passport and job agreements. The seized material is being examined as part of the ongoing probe.
According to the preliminary investigation, the alleged network involved local facilitators working in coordination with foreign-based handlers to lure vulnerable and unemployed youth with offers of employment abroad.
The victims were allegedly routed through Thailand to the Myawaddy region of Myanmar, where they were subsequently subjected to exploitation and allegedly forced to participate in cyber scam operations, the spokesperson said.
The SIA said the emerging aspects of the case indicate the alleged involvement of a transnational chain spanning multiple jurisdictions, with roles relating to the recruitment, movement, facilitation and exploitation of victims.
The investigation is being expanded to identify the complete network, its local and overseas linkages, as well as the financial and logistical channels allegedly supporting its operations.
The agency has also sought cooperation from national agencies and international partners as part of the ongoing investigation, the spokesperson said.
