Major Cyber Fraud Racket Busted in Srinagar; CIK Arrests 7 in International Crore-Rupee Scam

SRINAGAR, MARCH 19, 2026 — Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) has successfully dismantled a highly sophisticated international cyber fraud syndicate operating out of a covert call center in Srinagar.

Acting on credible technical intelligence regarding fraudulent online activities targeting both local and foreign nationals, CIK operatives identified a key operational hub at the Rangreth Industrial Area. Following a series of coordinated raids across the city, authorities apprehended seven suspects and seized an extensive cache of high-end digital equipment, including 13 smartphones—ranging from the latest iPhone 17 and Samsung Galaxy S25 FE to older models—nine laptops, and advanced VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) systems.

The investigation revealed an intricate digital modus operandi designed to bypass traditional detection. The group utilized unregistered call center infrastructure and server-routing techniques to generate virtual international numbers and mask their actual locations, allowing them to pose as legitimate service providers.

By deploying a fraudulent “YahooMail.com” website and leveraging Google advertisements, the suspects lured victims into calling toll-free numbers operated by the racket.

Once contact was established, the fraudsters manipulated victims into revealing sensitive banking details.The scale of the operation is significant, with transactions estimated to be in the crores.

Notably, the syndicate avoided cash entirely, opting for a purely digital trail that funneled stolen funds into mule accounts and cryptocurrency wallets, primarily using USDT (Tether). This illicit revenue was then layered and converted to obscure its criminal origins.

A formal case has been registered under relevant legal sections, and the seized devices are currently being analyzed for further incriminating evidence of this technologically advanced criminal network.