The Ahmedabad Crime Branch has busted a Syrian gang accused of raising funds from mosques in Gujarat by pretending to collect donations for victims of the Gaza war. Instead of being directed toward humanitarian relief, the money was allegedly diverted to finance the gang’s extravagant lifestyle.
One member of the gang, identified as Ali Meghat Al-Azhar, has been arrested. Police confirmed that Al-Azhar had entered India on a tourist visa. During interrogation, he confessed that the donations sought from mosques in the name of Gaza victims were never sent for aid but were used for personal luxuries.
Officials revealed that Al-Azhar was not acting alone. At least three of his associates, also believed to be Syrian nationals, are on the run. They too are suspected to have entered India on tourist visas in violation of visa regulations.
The Crime Branch has termed the case a matter of “serious concern” for internal security, stressing that such fraudulent activities, disguised as humanitarian efforts, can potentially be exploited for more dangerous objectives.
“Such activities can pose a threat to the country’s internal security,” the Crime Branch said in its statement.
Both state and central agencies are now investigating the broader motive behind the fund collection, and whether the gang had any larger network or link to extremist financing.
Authorities have started proceedings to blacklist and deport the arrested accused. Efforts are also underway to trace and apprehend the three absconding members of the gang.
The case has raised alarm over the misuse of religious platforms for illicit fundraising and highlighted the need for stricter monitoring of foreign nationals operating under tourist visas.
