SIA Kashmir Searches Two Premises in Probe Into Transnational Human Trafficking, Cyber Fraud Network
Srinagar, Oct 1: KNT: 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 involving the trafficking of unemployed youth under the guise of overseas employment.
The searches were conducted at the residential premises of Gulam Nabi Khanday alias Charlie, Mohsin and Jerry Khan, a resident of Bungam Chewgam, Kulgam, and Ashiq Hussain Sheikh of Baghpora Yar Khushipora, Qazigund.
The operation was carried out in the early hours pursuant to search warrants issued by the competent court in connection with FIR No. 01/2026 registered at Police Station SIA Kashmir.
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 ongoing investigation.
According to the SIA, preliminary investigation has brought to light an alleged modus operandi in which local facilitators, allegedly in coordination with foreign-based handlers, lured vulnerable and unemployed youth with offers of overseas employment.
The victims were allegedly moved through Thailand to the Myawaddy region of Myanmar, where they were subsequently exploited and allegedly compelled to participate in cyber scam operations, the agency said.
The investigation is examining the alleged transnational chain involving recruitment, movement, facilitation and exploitation of victims, besides seeking to establish the local and overseas linkages and financial and logistical channels allegedly supporting the network.
The SIA said cooperation from national agencies and international partners has also been solicited as part of the investigation.
The agency said the digital and documentary material seized during the searches would be subjected to detailed examination to establish further linkages, communication channels, financial transactions, recruitment mechanisms and other evidence relevant to the case.
The searches form part of the SIA’s wider effort to identify and dismantle the alleged network, establish the individual roles of persons involved and trace the mechanisms through which victims were allegedly recruited, transported and exploited.
The investigation remains in progress, the SIA said. [KNT]
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