Srinagar, Dec 6: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Crime Branch Kashmir has filed a fresh chargesheet against notorious repeat offender Zahid Bashir Sofi, alias Shagoo, in a high value Dubai export scam, highlighting his long-standing pattern of financial fraud and repeated evasion of law enforcement.
The chargesheet in FIR No. 31/2023 was filed under Sections 420 and 120-B of the RPC before the Hon’ble Court of City Judge, Srinagar, against Zahid Bashir Shagoo and co-accused Javeed Ahmad Shah. Both remain absconding, and the chargesheet has been filed in absentia under Section 512 CrPC.
History of Fraudulent Activity
Shagoo and his wife, Shugufta, have been implicated in multiple prior cases, including FIR 21/2022 and FIR 13/2018, both involving alleged fraudulent collection of money under the pretext of setting up gas agencies. Charges in these cases were also filed in absentia after the accused evaded arrest.
The EOW noted that Shagoo’s repeated involvement in high-value frauds demonstrates a persistent pattern of criminal conduct, causing substantial financial losses to victims and posing a serious challenge to law enforcement.
Details of the Dubai Export Scam
The current case arose from a complaint alleging that Shagoo induced the victim to invest in a purported export business dealing in mutton, rice, and other goods destined for Dubai.
Investigators revealed that Shagoo, in collusion with Javeed Ahmad Shah, orchestrated a scheme to create false credibility, including:
Taking the complainant to Punjab to sign a forged agreement with “Mahabir Rice Mill” and related entities
Escorting the complainant to Dubai to lend legitimacy to the fake venture
The victim invested ₹34,74,600, which was allegedly misappropriated. Investigators uncovered forged documents, fabricated agreements, and deliberate inducement, forming the basis for charges under Sections 420 and 120-B RPC.
Appeal for Information
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the whereabouts of Zahid Bashir Shagoo to come forward. The EOW has assured confidentiality for all informants.