CIK detains 22 in Valley-wide raids targeting cybercrime network linked to terror financing

Srinagar, Jan 7: In a major crackdown on organised cybercrime and its suspected links to terror financing, Counter Intelligence Kashmir on Wednesday detained 22 persons during extensive raids carried out across the Kashmir Valley. The coordinated operation targeted a sophisticated financial crime network allegedly involved in laundering money through mule bank accounts generated from cyber frauds, illegal online gaming and betting activities.

According to an official statement, the CIK conducted simultaneous searches at 22 locations, including 17 sites in Srinagar district, three in Budgam, and one location each in Shopian and Kulgam districts. During the raids, investigators seized a substantial volume of incriminating material, including digital devices, banking documents and financial records considered crucial to the ongoing investigation.

Officials said the 22 detained individuals are being questioned to ascertain their exact roles in the network and to establish linkages with cyber fraud operations, banned online gaming and betting platforms, and suspicious financial transactions. The investigation, they said, is still at an early stage, but the evidence collected so far is expected to reveal a much wider network operating not only within Jammu and Kashmir but also in other parts of the country.

The CIK described the operation as a decisive strike against a well-entrenched syndicate that used mule bank accounts as temporary conduits to route large volumes of illicit money. These funds were allegedly generated through cyber frauds and online scams, prohibited gaming and betting platforms, and fake investment and trading applications.

Acting on specific and credible intelligence inputs, the agency registered FIR No. 06/2025 at Police Station Counter Intelligence Kashmir under relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The case, according to officials, has exposed a carefully orchestrated conspiracy posing a serious threat to national economic security and digital safety.

The investigation has so far revealed that the accused, in active connivance with local and outside operatives, exploited the bank accounts of innocent, vulnerable and economically weaker individuals, converting them into mule accounts. These accounts were then used to move illicit funds while concealing their origin and final destination.

Alarmingly, officials said, the illegally generated money is suspected to have been further channelled into terror financing and other activities prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of the nation. The syndicate allegedly operated through gross violations of banking norms, misuse of KYC procedures, registration of non-existent business entities on the UDHAYAM portal to open accounts, allotment of virtual account numbers, identity theft, impersonation and complex money-laundering techniques designed to evade detection.

Reiterating its firm resolve, the CIK said it will continue to dismantle organised criminal syndicates, choke their financial pipelines and act sternly against all economic offences that threaten national security. It warned that anyone misusing banking systems, whether knowingly or unknowingly, will face strict legal action.

The agency also urged the public to remain vigilant, protect their financial credentials and report suspicious offers or transactions to authorities. Emphasising that cybercrime is not victimless, the CIK said such offences fuel organised crime and terror, and reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s financial and digital integrity.