Srinagar, Oct 1 (JKNS): The State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir has intensified its probe into an alleged transnational human trafficking and cyber fraud network, conducting searches at two residential premises in Kulgam and Qazigund in connection with a case involving the alleged trafficking of unemployed youth to Myanmar for exploitation in cyber scam operations.
As per news agency JKNS, SIA, Kashmir, today conducted searches at the
residential premises of Gulam Nabi Khanday @ Charlie @ Mohsin @ Jerry Khan,
resident of Bungam Chewgam, Kulgam, and Ashiq Hussain Sheikh, resident of
Baghpora Yar Khushipora, Qazigund.
The searches form part of an ongoing
investigation into a serious and organized network allegedly engaged in
trafficking unemployed youth from Jammu & Kashmir and other parts of the
country under the guise of overseas employment, followed by their exploitation
in cyber fraud operations in Myanmar.
The operation was carried out in the early
hours of today pursuant to search warrants issued by the competent Court in
connection with FIR No. 01/2026 of Police Station SIA Kashmir.
During the
searches, the SIA seized incriminating material, including mobile phones,
identity-related documents, PAN cards, a passport and job agreements, which are
being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
Transnational trafficking network under
investigation
Preliminary investigation has brought to light
an alleged modus operandi in which local facilitators, in coordination with
foreign-based handlers, lured vulnerable and unemployed youth with offers of
employment abroad.
The victims were allegedly moved through Thailand to the
Myawaddy region of Myanmar, where they were subsequently subjected to
exploitation and allegedly compelled to participate in cyber scam operations.
The emerging dimensions of the case indicate
the involvement of a transnational chain extending across jurisdictions,
involving recruitment, movement, facilitation and exploitation of victims.
The
investigation is accordingly being pursued to identify the complete network,
its local and overseas linkages, and the financial and logistical channels
allegedly supporting its operations. Cooperation from National agencies and
international partners has also been solicited in this important investigation.
SIA action to dismantle the wider network
The searches constitute an important step in
the SIA’s ongoing efforts to identify, trace and
dismantle the entire network, establish the role of each person involved, and
uncover the mechanisms through which victims were recruited, transported and
exploited.
The digital and documentary material seized
during the searches will be subjected to detailed examination to establish
further linkages, communication channels, financial transactions, recruitment
mechanisms and other evidence relevant to the investigation.
The SIA Kashmir reiterates its commitment to
pursuing organized and transnational criminal networks with a comprehensive,
evidence-based and coordinated investigation, while taking all necessary legal
measures to identify the perpetrators and safeguard the interests of victims of
such trafficking and exploitation. Further investigation is in progress. (JKNS)