Srinagar: The State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir on Thursday conducted searches at two residential premises in Kulgam and Qazigund as part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged transnational human trafficking and cyber scam network operating through the Kashmir–Myanmar route.
According to an SIA spokesperson, searches were conducted at the residences of Gulam Nabi Khanday alias Charlie, Mohsin and Jerry Khan, residents of BungamChewgam, Kulgam, and Ashiq Hussain Sheikh, a resident of Baghpora Yar Khushipora, Qazigund.
The searches were carried out in connection with FIR No. 01/2026, registered at Police Station SIA Kashmir, on the basis of search warrants issued by the competent court.
The agency 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 providing overseas employment.
As per the SIA, vulnerable youth were allegedly lured with promises of jobs abroad and subsequently routed through Thailand to the Myawaddy region of Myanmar, where they were allegedly exploited and compelled to participate in cyber scam operations.
During Thursday’s searches, the agency said investigators seized mobile phones, identity-related documents, PAN cards, a passport and job agreements. The seized material is being examined to establish the alleged network’s activities and linkages.
The SIA said preliminary investigation has indicated an alleged modus operandi involving local facilitators working in coordination with foreign-based handlers. Investigators are now working to establish the complete chain of recruitment, movement, facilitation and alleged exploitation of the victims.
The probe is also being expanded to identify local and overseas associates and trace the financial and logistical channels allegedly used to facilitate the network’s operations.
The agency said assistance from other national agencies and international partners has also been sought as the investigation progresses.
