Srinagar, October 1: 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, officials said.
According to an SIA spokesperson, searches were carried out at the residence of Gulam Nabi Khanday, alias Charlie, Mohsin and Jerry Khan, a resident of Bungam Chewgam in Kulgam, and at the residence of Ashiq Hussain Sheikh of Baghpora Yar Khushipora in Qazigund. The searches were conducted in the early hours pursuant to warrants issued by a competent court in connection with FIR No. 01/2026 registered at Police Station SIA Kashmir.
The agency said the investigation concerns an alleged organised network involved in trafficking unemployed and vulnerable youth from Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the country on the pretext of overseas employment. The victims were allegedly taken abroad and subsequently exploited in cyber fraud operations in Myanmar.
During the searches, SIA teams seized several items of documentary and digital material, including mobile phones, identity-related documents, PAN cards, a passport and job agreements. The agency said the seized material is being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
Preliminary findings, according to the SIA, indicate an alleged modus operandi in which local facilitators worked in coordination with foreign-based handlers to lure unemployed youth with promises of employment abroad. The recruits were allegedly transported through Thailand to the Myawaddy region of Myanmar, where they were reportedly subjected to exploitation and allegedly compelled to participate in cyber scam operations.
The agency said the emerging investigation points to a transnational chain involving recruitment, transportation, facilitation and exploitation of victims across multiple jurisdictions. Investigators are now working to identify the wider network, including its local and overseas linkages and the financial and logistical channels allegedly used to support the operation.
The SIA has also sought cooperation from national agencies and international partners as the investigation progresses. The digital and documentary material recovered during the searches is expected to be examined for evidence relating to communications, financial transactions, recruitment arrangements and other possible links in the alleged network.
The investigation remains ongoing, and further action will depend on the findings emerging from the examination of the seized material and identification of additional individuals or entities allegedly connected with the network.
