Srinagar, Oct 1 (NVI): The State Investigation Agency (SIA) on Thursday conducted searches at two residential premises in Kulgam and Qazigund in connection with an alleged transnational human trafficking and cyber fraud network, officials said.
The searches were carried out at the houses of Gulam Nabi Khanday alias Charlie, Mohsin and Jerry Khan of Bungam Chewgam in Kulgam and Ashiq Hussain Sheikh of Baghpora Yar Khushipora in Qazigund, they said.
The operation was conducted pursuant to search warrants issued by a competent court in connection with FIR No. 01/2026 registered at Police Station SIA Kashmir, officials said.
During the searches, the agency seized mobile phones, identity-related documents, PAN cards, a passport and job agreements, which are being examined as part of the investigation, they said.
According to the SIA, the probe has revealed an alleged modus operandi in which unemployed youth from Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the country were lured with promises of overseas employment.
The victims were allegedly taken through Thailand to the Myawaddy region of Myanmar, where they were subsequently exploited and forced to participate in cyber fraud operations, officials said.
The investigation is aimed at identifying the wider network, including its local and overseas links, as well as the financial and logistical channels allegedly used to facilitate the operation, they said.
The agency is also seeking cooperation from national agencies and international partners as part of the investigation into the alleged transnational network, officials added.—(NVI)
