Bengaluru, July 24: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted searches at eight locations in Bengaluru as part of its investigation into money laundering linked to ISIS recruitment and terror funding modules. The searches were carried out on July 21 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. During the operation, the ED seized incriminating electronic records and digital devices, freezing ₹7.5 lakh earned from the alleged crime under Section 17(1-A) of the Act.
According to the agency, this investigation was initiated based on an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) filed following an FIR lodged by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The FIR pertains to alleged ISIS recruitment activities linked to the Ikra Welfare Trust, Guidance for Mankind (GFM) Trust, and certain individuals in Bengaluru.
The NIA registered the case under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), including Section 17 (funding terrorist activities), Section 18 (conspiracy and preparation for terrorism), and Section 18B (recruitment for terrorist activities).
Previously, the agency arrested five individuals in this case: Irfan Nasir (a businessman), Ahmed Abdul Kader (a business analyst at a private bank), Mo. Tauqeer Mahmood (a dentist and former student of KIMS), Zuhab Hamid Shakeel Manna alias Johaib Manna (an IT professional), and Mo. Shihab (an IT professional who allegedly went into hiding during the investigation).
Investigators allege that the accused identified and radicalized individuals through programs like the ‘Ikra Camp’ (described as a personality development workshop) and the ‘Quran Circle’ (a weekly study group). They are also accused of raising funds from individuals, trusts, and their savings to facilitate the travel of people to Syria via Turkey for joining ISIS and participating in armed activities.
The charge sheet further claims that the accused exploited sentiments related to anti-CAA/NRC protests to incite communal tensions and promoted ISIS ideology through encrypted social media platforms.
The ED stated that the investigation revealed that the accused and trustees associated with the ‘Ikra Welfare Trust’ and ‘Guidance for Mankind Trust’ had raised funds. It is alleged that this money was used to recruit vulnerable individuals into ISIS and provide assistance for their involvement.
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