Highly Sophisticated International Cyber Fraud Racket Busted in Srinagar

 

Srinagar, March 19: In a major crackdown on cybercrime, the Cyber Intelligence Kashmir (CIK-CID) has busted a highly organized international fraud racket operating from Srinagar, exposing a covert network that targeted victims across multiple countries using advanced digital techniques.

 

 

 

 

Acting on credible technical inputs, CIK constituted specialized teams of technical experts and field operatives. After extensive surveillance, digital intelligence gathering, and verification across multiple locations, investigators identified a key operational hub in the Industrial Area of Rangreth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A swift and coordinated series of raids was carried out across Srinagar city, leading to the arrest of seven suspects on the spot.

Major Seizure of Digital Equipment

 

Authorities recovered a significant quantity of electronic devices and communication tools used in the operation, including:

9 laptops (Dell, HP, Apple MacBook)

13 mobile phones (including multiple iPhones, Samsung, Redmi devices)

1 Apple iPad

VoIP systems and networking equipment

SIM cards and digital storage media

Officials stated that the seized material contains substantial incriminating evidence, pointing to a well-structured and technologically advanced criminal setup.

 

Preliminary investigation has revealed that the accused were part of a larger cybercrime syndicate with links extending beyond Jammu & Kashmir. The network specifically targeted victims in countries such as the USA, UK, and Canada.

 

 

 

 

The racket operated through a covert, unregistered call center using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) systems that enabled them to:

Generate international virtual numbers

Mask their real location using spoofing and server routing

Impersonate legitimate service providers

 

 

 

 

Fraudsters used fake websites, including impersonations of popular platforms like Yahoo Mail, along with Google advertisements to lure victims. Once a victim clicked on these ads, they were shown toll-free numbers that connected directly to the suspects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Victims were then manipulated into believing their devices or bank accounts had been compromised. Under this pretext, they were pressured into sharing sensitive information or making payments for fake technical support or to avoid penalties.

Money Trail and Cryptocurrency Use

 

 

 

 

The investigation revealed a fully digital financial operation:

Funds were transferred through banking channels and digital wallets

Money was routed via mule accounts

Converted into cryptocurrencies, primarily USDT

Further layered and transferred multiple times to evade detection

Officials estimate that transactions linked to the racket run into several crores, with no cash transactions involved, highlighting the sophistication of the operation.

Legal Action and Ongoing Investigation

 

 

An FIR is being registered under charges including:

Cheating

Criminal conspiracy

Relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act

Further action is underway, including:

Follow-up raids to apprehend additional suspects

Forensic analysis of seized devices

Identification of victims

Tracing of financial flows and international linkages

 

This operation underscores the presence of a globally connected cyber fraud network operating from within the region. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant against suspicious online ads, unsolicited calls, and requests for financial or personal information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investigations are ongoing, and more arrests are expected as agencies work to dismantle the broader network.