EOW Files Chargesheet in Dubai Export Scam | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Crime Branch Kashmir on Saturday filed a chargesheet in FIR No. 31/2023 against two accused, including alleged repeat offender Zahid Bashir Sofi alias Shagoo, in a high-value Dubai export scam.

The chargesheet, submitted before the Court of the City Judge Srinagar under Sections 420 and 120-B of the Ranbir Penal Code, has been filed in absentia under Section 512 CrPC as both accused continue to evade arrest.

According to the EOW, the complainant was deceived into investing in a purported export business involving mutton, rice and other goods to Dubai. Investigators said Shagoo and co-accused Javeed Ahmad Shah arranged a forged agreement with a Punjab-based rice mill and later took the complainant to Dubai to lend legitimacy to the scheme. The victim invested Rs 34,74,600, which was allegedly misappropriated.

The investigation found fabricated agreements, forged documents and deliberate inducement, establishing offences of cheating and criminal conspiracy.

EOW officials said Shagoo and his wife are already implicated in two earlier fraud cases — FIR Nos. 21/2022 and 13/2018 — related to illegal money collection on the pretext of providing gas agencies. Chargesheets in those cases were also filed in absentia due to their continued absconding.

Authorities said Shagoo’s repeated involvement in fraud cases has resulted in substantial losses to victims, and his persistent evasion remains a serious concern. The Crime Branch has urged the public to share any information regarding his whereabouts, assuring confidentiality of sources.