ED Conducts Bengaluru Raids In Alleged ISIS Recruitment And Terror Funding Case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED), through its Bengaluru Zonal Office, conducted search operations at eight premises in connection with a money laundering investigation linked to an NIA FIR.

The case involves alleged ISIS recruitment activities and suspected terror funding connected to the Iqra Welfare Trust, Guidance for Mankind and several individuals based in Bengaluru.

The ED registered its Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) on the basis of an FIR filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

The NIA booked the case under Sections 17, 18 and 18B of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), relating to raising funds for terrorism, preparing for terrorist acts and recruiting individuals for terrorist organisations.

The NIA arrested four individuals during the investigation and later filed a chargesheet naming Irfan Nasir, Ahamed Abdul Cader, Mohd. Tauqir Mahmood, Zuhab Hameed Shakeel Manna and Mohd. Shihab as accused.

According to the chargesheet, the accused allegedly worked as members of the banned terrorist organisation ISIS/ISIL/Daesh and conspired to radicalise and recruit Muslim youth from Bengaluru.

Investigators alleged that the accused identified and influenced young recruits through a personality development programme known as ‘Iqra Camp’ and a weekly religious study group called ‘Quran Circle’.

The chargesheet further alleged that the group collected funds from individuals, trusts and personal savings to finance the illegal travel of recruits to Syria through Turkey so they could join ISIS.

Investigators also accused the group of attempting to exploit sentiments surrounding the Anti-CAA/NRC protests to spread ISIS ideology and incite communal tensions using encrypted social media platforms.

The ED is examining financial transactions and other evidence to trace the movement of funds and establish the money laundering aspect of the case.

The agency said further investigation is currently underway.

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