Bengaluru : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday carried out searches at eight locations across Bengaluru as part of its investigation into an alleged money laundering and terror funding network linked to the banned terrorist organisation ISIS. The searches were conducted on the basis of an FIR and chargesheet filed earlier by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which had investigated an alleged conspiracy involving the radicalisation of youths and their recruitment into the terror outfit.
According to investigating agencies, the searches were conducted at premises located in Fraser Town, Gurappanapalya, Bismillah Nagar and Kammanahalli, among other areas of the city. The raids targeted locations allegedly linked to Iqra Welfare Trust, Guidance for Mankind (GFM) Trust and individuals suspected of being associated with the alleged funding network.
The ED is probing whether money collected through charitable organisations and other private sources was diverted for unlawful activities, including financing the recruitment of Indian youths into ISIS and facilitating their travel abroad. Officials are examining financial records, electronic devices and documents seized during the searches to establish the money trail.
The investigation stems from an NIA case in which several persons were accused of organising programmes under the banner of “Iqra Camp”, described by investigators as personality development workshops. According to the NIA, these camps were allegedly used to identify and gradually radicalise vulnerable youths.
Investigators have alleged that selected participants were later introduced to “Quran Circle” study sessions conducted on weekends, where they were allegedly indoctrinated with extremist ideology. The NIA claims that the accused encouraged participants to adopt ISIS ideology and eventually persuaded some of them to leave India and join the terrorist organisation.
According to the allegations in the chargesheet, the accused collected funds from their personal savings, private donors and through organisations including Iqra Welfare Trust and Guidance for Mankind Trust. Investigators suspect that these funds were utilised to finance recruitment activities, arrange travel documents and bear the expenses of individuals allegedly sent abroad.
The NIA has alleged that the recruits were routed through Turkey before being taken to Syria to join ISIS and participate in armed activities. Investigators further claim that the accused attempted to exploit public sentiment during the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC) to influence and radicalise young people.
The agency has also alleged that encrypted communication platforms and social media applications were used to circulate extremist content, spread ISIS propaganda and maintain contact with prospective recruits while avoiding detection by law enforcement agencies.
In the case, the NIA had earlier arrested Mohammed Takheer, Zohaib Manna, Irfan Nasir, Mohammed Sahib and Ahmed Abdul Khader. All of them are currently in judicial custody while the trial is pending. The allegations against them have not yet been tested before the court.
ED officials said the searches are aimed at identifying proceeds of crime under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and tracing assets allegedly acquired using funds connected to the suspected illegal activities. Investigators are also examining whether properties in India or abroad were purchased using such funds.
Officials are scrutinising financial transactions, bank accounts, trust records and digital evidence collected during the operation to determine whether the alleged money laundering network extended beyond Bengaluru.
