Srinagar, Oct. 9 -- J&K Police in Budgam district have arrested three more persons in an alleged white-collar criminal syndicate accused of duping people through fake job offers, educational admissions and fictitious business deals, taking the total number of arrests in the case to five.

The accused have been identified as Zahoor Ahmad Bhat of Watpora, Bandipora; Imtiyaz Ahmad Bhat of Kaloosa, Bandipora; and Saleem Ali Bhat of Plan, Bandipora.

Police said Zahoor Ahmad Bhat has emerged as a key alleged conspirator during the investigation. Questioning of the newly arrested accused is underway to establish their individual roles and identify other persons linked to the alleged network.

Earlier, police had arrested Jehangir Ahmad Dar, a law...