Read How a Cyber Fraud Call Centre Operated from Kashmir’s Key Digital Space in Rangreth | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: In a major crackdown on organised cybercrime, the Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Police has dismantled a sophisticated international cyber fraud racket operating from Srinagar, arresting seven suspects and seizing a large cache of digital infrastructure used to run what officials described as a “covert call centre” targeting victims across multiple countries.

The raids, carried out late Wednesday night across several locations in the city, followed sustained technical surveillance and digital intelligence gathering by specialised teams comprising cyber experts and field operatives. Investigators identified a key operational hub at the Industrial Area in Rangreth, which functioned as the nerve centre of the alleged fraud network.

According to investigators, the accused were part of a well-organised and technologically advanced cybercrime syndicate with linkages extending beyond Jammu and Kashmir and across international borders.

Officials said the network specifically targeted victims in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. The suspects allegedly used international communication masking technologies, impersonation tactics and psychological manipulation to deceive victims.

“The operation was structured like a professional call centre with international outreach. Victims were approached through phishing advertisements and fake online interfaces designed to appear legitimate,” an officer said.

Once a user clicked on a fraudulent advertisement—often mimicking trusted platforms such as Yahoo Mail or promoted through search engines—they were directed to a toll-free number controlled by the accused.

Investigators said the suspects used Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems to generate virtual international numbers and conceal their real location through server routing and spoofing techniques.

Posing as legitimate service providers or technical support personnel, they allegedly persuaded victims to share sensitive personal and banking information. In several cases, victims were also induced to transfer money directly under false pretences.

Funds collected through these methods were routed into multiple bank accounts, including mule accounts, and subsequently transferred into cryptocurrency wallets. Officials said the proceeds were layered, converted and withdrawn in a manner designed to obscure the financial trail.

“No cash transactions were involved. The entire operation was digital, layered and structured to evade detection,” an officer said.

During the raids, police recovered a substantial volume of digital and communication equipment believed to have been used in executing the fraud, including mobile phones, laptops, VoIP systems, SIM cards, networking devices and digital storage media. Officials said the material seized contains “substantial incriminating evidence”, clearly indicating a highly organised and technologically coordinated criminal operation.

Preliminary investigation has revealed that the arrested individuals were part of a larger cybercrime ecosystem operating across regions.

Authorities said a segment of the network was dedicated exclusively to targeting foreign nationals, using advanced communication masking technologies and impersonation strategies to establish credibility and avoid detection.

The use of spoofed virtual numbers, fake digital portals and cryptocurrency channels reflects an evolving pattern in cybercrime, where fraud networks operate across jurisdictions with decentralised structures.

A case has been registered under relevant provisions of law, including the Information Technology Act, and further investigation is underway. Forensic examination of seized devices is expected to help trace additional suspects, identify victims and map the financial trail of the fraud.

Officials said efforts are ongoing to establish linkages with other national and international cybercrime networks.

The latest bust comes amid a surge in cyber fraud cases across India. According to official data, over 17.4 lakh cyber fraud complaints were reported in 2024, with financial losses exceeding Rs 22000 crore.

In Jammu and Kashmir, investigators have recently uncovered another major online scam involving more than Rs 209 crore, with estimates suggesting the total could exceed Rs 400 crore upon full verification. That case involved fake investment platforms, layered financial transactions and a nationwide network of operatives.

Experts note that the Srinagar operation highlights the increasing sophistication and geographical spread of cybercrime networks, which are no longer confined to metropolitan centres.

“These rackets are evolving into distributed, technology-driven systems that can operate from any location with internet access,” an official said.

Police have urged citizens to exercise caution while interacting with online advertisements, avoid sharing sensitive information and verify the authenticity of digital platforms before making financial transactions.

Authorities also reiterated that timely reporting of cyber fraud incidents through official channels remains critical for effective intervention and recovery.

The investigation into the Srinagar racket is ongoing, with more arrests likely as agencies work to dismantle the broader network behind the operation.