Raja Syed Rather
Ganderbal, Feb 16: In a major breakthrough, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have unearthed a transnational multi-crore fake online investment scam and arrested nine accused, including an MBBS doctor from Hisar, Haryana.
The case was registered at Police Station Ganderbal following a complaint from a resident regarding identity theft and online cheating.
Acting on the complaint, SSP Khalil Ahmad Poswal constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter.
During the investigation, police found that fake trading and phishing websites were used to lure victims with promises of high returns through coin trading. The fraudulently collected money was routed through local bank accounts across Budgam, Srinagar and Baramulla, and later transferred outside Jammu and Kashmir and even outside the country.
Police identified the main handler as Ekant Yogdutt, also known as Dr. Morphine, who allegedly learned cyber fraud techniques while pursuing MBBS studies in the Philippines and maintained links with nationals from China. He was arrested at Delhi airport while returning from abroad.
The investigation also revealed involvement of local operatives, including Mohammad Ibrahim Shah, Nasir Ahmad Ganie, Maqsood Ahmad, Tanveer Ahmad, Tawseef Ahmad Mir, Khurshid Ahmad, and Ishfaq Ahmad. These accused allegedly convinced Below Poverty Line (BPL) account holders to provide bank accounts and ATM cards in exchange for Rs 8,000–Rs 10,000 per month.
Police have so far identified 835 suspicious bank accounts and verified transactions in 290 accounts, revealing fraud worth Rs 209 crore from investors across India. Officials believe the amount may exceed Rs 400 crore after full verification.
Police have urged the public not to fall prey to fake investment websites promising high returns and warned people against renting out bank accounts for monetary benefits. Victims can lodge complaints at cybercrime.gov.in or contact the cyber helpline 1930.
