In a major success, Counter Intelligence Kashmir busted a highly sophisticated international cyber fraud racket and arrested seven suspects in Srinagar.
An official told GNS that CIK-CID received various technical and credible inputs, regarding the functioning of covert call centres engaged in fraudulent online activities targeting foreign/ local nationals.
CIK promptly constituted specialized teams comprising technical experts & field operatives and carried out systematic surveillance, digital intelligence gathering & verification across multiple locations, ultimately identifying a key operational hub at the Industrial Area, Rangreth, Srinagar, he said.
In furtherance to this, CIK teams conducted swift and well-coordinated raids at different parts of Srinagar city. During the raids, seven (07) suspects were apprehended and a large quantity of digital & communication equipment was seized, including: 13 mobile phones, 09 laptops, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) systems, SIM cards and networking devices, digital storage media etc.
The items seized include 2 iPhone17, 3 iPhone16, 2 iPhone10, 2 iPhone11, 1 Samsung Galaxy S25FE, 1 Redmi -11TG5, 1 NAZRO 50 A, 1 Redmi Note 7 Pro, 1 Apple iPad, 3 Laptops Dell, 4 HP Laptops and 2 Apple Macbook.
The modus operandi of the racket was the accused had established a covert unregistered call centre infrastructure using VoIP-based systems, enabling them to generate international virtual numbers, mask their real location using server routing and spoofing techniques, appear as legitimate service providers to unsuspecting victims.
International calls were being generated and routed through this call centre. A fake YahooMail.com website and Google advertisements were used to target victims.
Individuals across multiple countries were approached through organized call operations and online phishing ads. Once a victim clicked on the advertisement, a toll-free number appeared on their screen. This toll-free number was operated by the suspects, who then deceived innocent people into providing their banking and other personal details. Funds were subsequently transferred into various accounts, including mule accounts and cryptocurrency wallets (primarily USDT ). The illicit proceeds were further layered, converted, and withdrawn to conceal their origin.
Notably, no cash transactions were involved, highlighting the fully digital and sophisticated nature of the crime. The transactions carried so far seem to be running into crores .
The seized material/ devices contain substantial incriminating evidence, clearly indicating a highly organized and technologically advanced criminal setup, he added. A case has been registered under relevant sections of law.
