In a major operation, Counter-Intelligence Kashmir (CIK), a unit of the Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID), has dismantled a sophisticated international cyber fraud network, leading to the arrest of seven suspects in Srinagar.
Swift Action on Credible Intelligence
Specialized teams of technical experts and field operatives launched systematic surveillance and digital intelligence efforts after receiving reliable inputs about clandestine call centers targeting victims both abroad and locally. These efforts pinpointed a key hub in Srinagar’s Rangreth Industrial Area.
Coordinated raids across the city resulted in the arrests and the seizure of extensive digital equipment, including 13 mobile phones, nine laptops, VoIP systems, SIM cards, networking gear, and storage media.
Key Devices Recovered
Among the items were two iPhone 17s, three iPhone 16s, two iPhone Xs, two iPhone 11s, one Samsung Galaxy S25 FE, one Redmi 11T 5G, one Narzo 50A, one Redmi Note 7 Pro, one Apple iPad, three Dell laptops, four HP laptops, and two Apple MacBooks.
How the Cyber Racket Operated
The suspects ran an unregistered call center using VoIP technology to create international virtual numbers and mask their location via server routing and spoofing. They deployed fake Yahoo Mail sites and Google ads to lure victims.
Targets received phishing ads that displayed toll-free numbers operated by the fraudsters. Callers tricked victims into revealing banking details and personal information. Stolen funds flowed into mule accounts and cryptocurrency wallets, mainly USDT, through layered transfers, conversions, and withdrawals—all digitally, with no cash involved.
Investigators estimate the racket’s transactions total crores of rupees.
Ongoing Probe Reveals Organized Syndicate
Forensic analysis of the seized devices uncovers strong evidence tying the suspects to a tech-savvy criminal group. Authorities have filed a case under applicable laws, with further investigations underway.
