Crime Branch Kashmir Unmasks Sophisticated COVID-19 Procurement Heist: Multi-Million Rupee Fraud Foiled

SRINAGAR — February 26, 2026 — The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Crime Branch Kashmir has dismantled a nefarious white-collar conspiracy, booking two Srinagar residents for allegedly orchestrating a high-tech procurement scam during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Exploiting the global health crisis, the accused—hailing from Peerbagh and Sanat Nagar—reportedly masqueraded as high-ranking delegates and Officers on Special Duty (OSD) for Supplies within the J&K Ministry.

Through a calculated web of deceit involving the creation of “spoofed” email identities and the opening of fraudulent bank accounts under the guise of legitimate vendors, the duo successfully siphoned ₹27 lakh from a government office.

Their ambitious plot to embezzle an additional ₹2.24 crore from a state medical institution was preemptively thwarted by the EOW’s intervention.

With prima facie evidence establishing severe violations—including forgery, criminal conspiracy, and identity theft under the Information Technology Act—authorities have formally registered a case under sections 420, 467, 468, 471, and 120-B of the IPC, signaling a rigorous crackdown on those who weaponized the pandemic for illicit financial gain.