ED Conducts Searches in Bengaluru ISIS Recruitment Case, Freezes Rs 7.5 Lakh Under PMLA
Bengaluru, July 23: The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has conducted searches at eight locations in Bengaluru in connection with a money laundering investigation linked to an alleged ISIS recruitment and terror-funding module, freezing proceeds of crime worth Rs 7.50 lakh under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
According to an ED press release, the searches were carried out on July 21 by the Bengaluru Zonal Office under the PMLA based on an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) registered on the basis of an FIR filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). During the searches, the ED seized incriminating electronic records and digital devices linked to the alleged offences.
The agency said the NIA had registered the FIR under Sections 17, 18 and 18B of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in connection with alleged ISIS recruitment activities involving the Iqra Welfare Trust, the Guidance for Mankind (GFM) Trust and certain individuals based in Bengaluru. The NIA subsequently arrested Irfan Nasir, Ahamed Abdul Cader, Dr. Mohd. Tauqir Mahmood and Zuhab Hameed Shakeel Manna alias Zohaib Manna, while Mohd. Shihab was stated to be absconding. The chargesheet names all five as accused allegedly affiliated with the banned terrorist organisation ISIS/ISIL/Daesh.
The ED said the NIA chargesheet alleges that the accused conspired to radicalise and recruit vulnerable Muslim youth from Bengaluru into ISIS through programmes such as the “Iqra Camp” and a weekly study circle called “Quran Circle”. They allegedly raised and channelled funds from individuals, trusts and personal savings to facilitate the illegal travel of recruits to Syria via Turkey to fight for ISIS.
According to the ED, the investigation has further revealed that funds were raised directly by the accused and through trustees of the Iqra Welfare Trust and GFM Trust, and were allegedly used to finance and facilitate recruitment into ISIS. The agency said further investigation under the PMLA is continuing.
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