A series of suspicious online financial transactions brought an extensive financial network under the scanner of J&K Police in Shopian, eventually leading to the busting of an intra-UT terror financing module and the arrest of 10 terrorist associates in a significant breakthrough against the terror-support ecosystem.
The investigation began with the examination of suspicious financial transactions carried out through various online payment platforms. What initially appeared to be suspicious financial activity gradually opened up a wider trail as investigators began tracing the movement of money across multiple layers and examining the connections behind these transactions.
As J&K Police followed the financial trail, the investigation revealed a network of individuals involved in collecting and channelising funds through established financial channels. Further examination brought to light links between this network and terrorists and their associates lodged in different jails across the Union Territory.
The investigation established that the financial activities extended beyond individual transactions, with funds being collected from members of the general public and routed through established channels to facilitate terrorist activities.
Tracing the Financial Network
Initial investigation by J&K Police revealed that the accused were clandestinely collecting and raising funds from the general public and channelising the money through established financial links to facilitate the activities of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and The Resistance Front (TRF).
The funds were also being utilised to arrange logistical support for terrorist activities, including the provision of smartphones. The investigation thus uncovered a financial network involving fund collection, money movement and logistical assistance connected with the activities of LeT/TRF.
Ten Terrorist Associates Arrested
Following the investigation, J&K Police arrested 10 terrorist associates in connection with the module. The arrested individuals belong to different areas of Shopian, Pulwama and Kathua.
- Owais Shafi Naikoo, son of Mohammad Shafi Naikoo, resident of Saidpora Bala, Shopian.
- Tajamul Ahmad Shah, son of Ab. Rashid Shah, resident of Rawalpora, Shopian.
- Moiz Iqbal, son of Mohammad Iqbal Hajam, resident of Chitragam Kalan.
- Imdad Yousuf Ganie, son of Mohd Yousuf Ganie, resident of Chitragam Kalan.
- Saqib Zahoor Wani, son of Zahoor Ahmad Wani, resident of Murran, Pulwama.
- Aamir Ahmad Ganie, son of Gh Nabi Ganie, resident of Armolah, Pulwama.
- Firdous Thokar, son of Gh Qadir Thokar, resident of Nadigund, Trenz.
- Liyaqat Nazir Lone, son of Nazir Ahmad Lone, resident of Murran, Pulwama.
- Mohd Hanief, son of Kaju Sheru, resident of Check Haria, Kathua.
- Kaju, son of Haji Sheeru, resident of Check Haria, Kathua.
In connection with the case, FIR No. 231/2026 has been registered at Police Station Shopian under relevant sections of law.
Investigation Continues
With 10 terrorist associates arrested, the investigation is now focused on establishing additional financial linkages, ascertaining the wider network and identifying other individuals involved in the module. J&K Police are continuing the investigation, with more arrests expected.
The breakthrough highlights how the examination of suspicious online financial transactions led J&K Police in Shopian to uncover a wider network involving clandestine fund collection, financial connections with individuals linked to terrorists lodged in different jails, and the channelling of money to facilitate LeT/TRF activities.
The operation reflects the continued efforts of J&K Police, in coordination with other security agencies, to dismantle terror-support networks, disrupt unlawful financial channels and safeguard peace and security across the Union Territory.
