Central Kashmir: Police Arrest MBBS Doctor, 8 Others in Rs 209 Cr Scam | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Police on Monday said it has uncovered a large transnational online investment racket in central Kashmir involving transactions worth Rs 209 crore, with an MBBS doctor from Haryana and eight others from different parts of Kashmir arrested.

The case was registered at Police Station Ganderbal after a Safapora resident alleged identity theft and fraud through fake online trading platforms. A Special Investigation Team led by district police officials was formed to investigate the matter.

According to investigators, bogus websites promoted on social media and search engines lured people with promises of high returns through fake coin-trading schemes. Victims’ money was routed through bank accounts across several Kashmir districts, layered through multiple channels and transferred outside Jammu and Kashmir, and in some cases abroad, to avoid detection.

Police identified the alleged key handler as Ekant Yogdutt, alias “Dr Morphine,” a resident of Hisar, Haryana, who was arrested at Delhi International Airport while returning from China. Authorities said he built contacts with foreign nationals during his studies overseas and coordinated the wider network.

Eight others were arrested for allegedly acting as regional coordinators and arranging bank accounts. Investigators said financially vulnerable individuals were paid monthly sums in exchange for access to their accounts and ATM cards. The possible involvement of certain bank employees in facilitating QR codes linked to fraudulent platforms has also surfaced.

Police have collected details of 835 bank accounts so far, with 290 verified. While Rs 209 crore has been traced, officials believe the amount may cross Rs 400 crore as the investigation progresses. Authorities said efforts are underway to track the money trail and attach properties linked to the accused, and urged the public to avoid online schemes promising unrealistic returns.