Srinagar: The State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir on Thursday conducted searches at two locations in Kulgam district as part of an investigation into an alleged transnational human trafficking and cyber fraud network.
The searches were carried out at the residences of Gulam Nabi Khanday, also known as Charlie, Mohsin and Jerry Khan, of Bungam Chewgam, and Ashiq Hussain Sheikh of Baghpora Yar Khushipora, Qazigund, in connection with FIR No. 01/2026 registered at Police Station SIA Kashmir.
According to an SIA spokesperson, the operation was conducted in the early hours of the day on the basis of search warrants issued by a competent court.
During the searches, the agency seized mobile phones, identity-related documents, PAN cards, a passport and job agreements, which are being examined as part of the investigation.
The SIA said the case pertains to an alleged organised network involved in trafficking unemployed youth from Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the country on the pretext of overseas employment.
According to the agency, preliminary investigations suggest that local facilitators, allegedly working in coordination with handlers based abroad, lured unemployed youth with promises of jobs overseas. The victims were allegedly routed through Thailand to Myanmar’s Myawaddy region, where they were subsequently exploited and allegedly forced to participate in cyber scam operations.
The agency said the investigation has revealed indications of a transnational network involving recruitment, transportation, facilitation and exploitation of victims across multiple jurisdictions.
Officials said efforts are underway to identify all individuals linked to the alleged network, including its local and overseas operatives, as well as the financial and logistical channels purportedly used to support its activities. The agency said it has sought cooperation from national agencies and international partners as part of the investigation.
The SIA said the digital and documentary material seized during the searches would be subjected to forensic and investigative examination to establish communication links, financial transactions and recruitment mechanisms allegedly used by the network.
Further investigation is underway, officials said.
