SIT Probe Reveals Pan-India Fraud Network with International Links
Hisar: An MBBS doctor from Haryana, along with eight others, has been arrested for allegedly masterminding a massive online investment scam that duped hundreds of investors across India. The case surfaced in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, where police have so far verified transactions worth ₹209 crore, with estimates suggesting the total fraud may exceed ₹400 crore after full scrutiny.
According to police officials, nine accused have been arrested in connection with the case. The alleged mastermind, reportedly known by the alias “Dr. Morphine,” is said to have learned cyber fraud techniques while pursuing his MBBS in the Philippines. The accused allegedly created fake online investment platforms promising high returns through coin trading schemes to lure unsuspecting victims.
FIR Registered, SIT Formed in Ganderbal
The investigation began after a complaint was filed by a resident of Safapora in Ganderbal. An FIR (No. 08/2026) was registered at Police Station Ganderbal under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the IT Act. Following this, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted by Senior Superintendent of Police Ganderbal, Khalil Ahmad Poswal-JKPS, to probe the matter.
The SIT included subject matter experts to examine digital evidence and financial transactions. Police said the accused operated fake websites and promoted them aggressively through social media platforms, attracting investors with promises of unusually high returns.
Money Routed Through Multiple Layers
Investigators revealed that once victims deposited money, the funds were routed into local bank accounts across Budgam, Srinagar, Ganderbal and Baramulla districts. The money was then layered through multiple transactions and transferred outside Jammu and Kashmir, and even outside India, to obscure the trail and avoid detection.
“The amount was immediately transferred out of J&K through multiple layers and even routed outside the country to prevent detection of the money trail,” a police spokesperson stated. Authorities said the alleged mastermind was arrested by Ganderbal Police upon his arrival from China at Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Targeting Vulnerable Account Holders
Police said the accused doctor maintained links with Chinese nationals and coordinated with local operatives in Kashmir. These operatives allegedly acted as regional heads and account mobilisers, targeting Below Poverty Line (BPL) account holders and offering them ₹8,000–₹10,000 per month in exchange for the use of their bank accounts and ATM cards.
Preliminary findings also suggest possible involvement of certain bank employees who allegedly provided QR codes linked to mule accounts. These QR codes were uploaded to the fraudulent platforms and frequently changed whenever cyber units froze suspicious accounts. So far, police have gathered details of 835 accounts and verified 290 accounts involving ₹209 crore in transactions. Further investigation is underway to trace the complete money trail and initiate property attachment proceedings against the accused.
