Pakistan-based gangster accused of luring Indian youth via social media

Indian investigators have raised concerns about an organized recruitment drive targeting young citizens through social media platforms, with Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti and his associates allegedly at the helm of the operation.

According to law enforcement sources, the network employs a systematic approach beginning with friendly interactions on Instagram Reels—short-form video content popular among youth. Operatives establish rapport with targets before transitioning to recruitment pitches that include monetary rewards, promises of overseas settlement, and appeals rooted in religious messaging.

The allegations suggest that the recruitment network aims to involve Indian youths in activities ranging from organized crime to potential extremist operations. The use of social media platforms to identify and cultivate relationships with vulnerable individuals has raised red flags among security agencies monitoring cross-border criminal networks.

Authorities have flagged the sophisticated nature of the recruitment strategy, which leverages the informal and trust-building environment of social media to eventually compromise victims into illegal activities. The case underscores growing concerns about transnational criminal networks exploiting digital platforms to expand their reach into Indian communities.

Investigations into the matter remain ongoing as agencies work to identify additional targets and operatives involved in the recruitment scheme.