‘Dr Morphine’ arrested in Rs 209 Cr online trading scam

Ganderbal, Feb 16: In one of the largest cyber fraud crackdowns in Jammu and Kashmir, Ganderbal Police have unearthed a massive Rs 209 crore online investment scam, arresting nine persons, including an MBBS doctor from Haryana, alleged to be the kingpin of a transnational fraud network.

Addressing a press conference, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ganderbal Khalil Ahmad Poswal said the scam was cracked after a month-and-a-half-long investigation into an organised online investment racket operating through phishing links and fake trading platforms.

The case was registered at Police Station Ganderbal after a Safapora resident lodged a complaint alleging identity theft and fraud through fake online trading websites.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by the Additional SP Ganderbal and comprising two Deputy Superintendents of Police and other officers was constituted to probe the case.

Investigations revealed that bogus investment websites promoted on social media and search engines lured investors with promises of high returns through fake coin-trading schemes.

Victims’ money was routed into bank accounts across several districts of Kashmir, including Budgam, Srinagar, Ganderbal and Baramulla. The funds were then layered through multiple accounts and transferred outside Jammu and Kashmir — and in some cases abroad — to evade detection.

Police identified the alleged main handler as Ekant Yogdutt alias “Dr Morphine,” a resident of Hisar, Haryana, who was arrested at Delhi International Airport while returning from China.

According to SSP Poswal, Yogdutt allegedly learnt the techniques during his MBBS studies in the Philippines and is suspected to have links with Chinese nationals.

Eight other accused were arrested from various parts of Kashmir for allegedly acting as regional coordinators and mobilising bank accounts.

Investigators revealed that financially vulnerable individuals, including Below Poverty Line (BPL) account holders, were paid Rs 8,000–10,000 per month in exchange for access to their bank accounts and ATM cards.

Police said the possible involvement of certain bank employees has also surfaced, particularly in facilitating QR codes linked to fraudulent platforms.

The accused allegedly operated Telegram channels and groups where new QR codes were regularly uploaded to continue the fraud even after earlier accounts were frozen by cyber units.

So far, police have collected details of 835 bank accounts, with 290 accounts verified.

“An amount of ₹209 crore has been traced so far. After complete verification, the total amount is likely to cross Rs 400 crore,” SSP Poswal said.

Authorities are now working to trace the entire money trail and initiate proceedings to attach properties linked to the accused.

The case has been registered as FIR No. 08/2026 under Sections 3(5), 61(2), 316(4), 318, 111 BNS and Section 66-C of the IT Act at Police Station Ganderbal.

Police have warned the public against falling prey to fake investment websites promising unrealistic returns. Citizens have also been cautioned against renting out their bank accounts for monetary consideration.

Victims can report complaints on the official cybercrime portal cybercrime.gov.in or contact the toll-free helpline 1930.

Further investigation is underway.