BPL families in J&K targeted in Rs 209 crore cyber fraud
Police are investigating a network that allegedly used the bank accounts of poor families to route money through gaming platforms.
Below Poverty Line (BPL) ration card holders in Jammu and Kashmir were allegedly promised monthly commissions of up to Rs 10,000 to provide their bank accounts for a cyber fraud racket involving Rs 209 crore, according to the Kashmir Observer.
A senior police officer said on Thursday that nearly 200 bank accounts in the region are under scrutiny. Investigations have also identified a link in Ganderbal involving transactions of approximately Rs 2.5 crore.
The alleged main handler, an MBBS doctor from Haryana identified as Ekant Yogdutt, also known as Dr Morphine, was arrested at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in New Delhi while returning from China. Investigators said the doctor, who studied in the Philippines, allegedly learned how to operate these financial networks while abroad.
Authorities found that about 20 bank accounts were allegedly operated by the doctor and his wife, with 10 accounts linked to each. Online gaming and digital platforms were reportedly used to move money through various accounts.
Earlier this year, Ganderbal SSP Khalil Ahmad Poswal stated that police identified 835 suspicious accounts, with Rs 209 crore verified in 290 of them. He noted that the total amount could exceed Rs 400 crore once all accounts are verified.
Nine people, including the doctor, have been arrested. Officials said the role of some bank employees is also being examined for suspected involvement in facilitating these transactions.