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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted extensive raids across multiple locations in India on April 18 and 19, targeting an alleged illegal foreign funding network.
Officials carried out searches at six premises in different states as part of the ongoing probe.
Investigators revealed that foreign debit cards were used to withdraw large sums of cash from ATMs across the country.
Authorities stated that the network bypassed regulatory mechanisms and facilitated unaccounted financial inflows into India.
The incident is linked to an organisation identified as ‘The Timothy Initiative (TTI)’.
Officials found the group unregistered under FCRA, yet it used funds for its activities.
The probe established that individuals brought debit cards linked to Truist Bank in the United States into India.
Individuals used these cards to withdraw cash repeatedly across various states. Authorities estimated that withdrawals of approximately Rs 6.5 crore occurred over recent years.
Officials also identified suspicious financial activity in sensitive regions such as Bastar and Dhamtari. They warned that such operations could foster a parallel cash economy.
During the operation, authorities seized 25 foreign debit cards, Rs 40 lakh in cash, electronic devices, and key documents.
Investigators also uncovered that an online accounting platform, allegedly operated from abroad, tracked these transactions.
Authorities intercepted an individual named Micah Mark at Kempegowda International Airport under a lookout circular and recovered 24 debit cards from him.
The agency further disclosed that nearly Rs 95 crore entered India through such means between November 2025 and April 2026. The investigation continues.
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