The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at eight locations in Bengaluru regarding a money laundering investigation tied to alleged ISIS recruitment and funding. The probe, based on an FIR by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), focuses on unlawful activities and terrorism. Funds channeled through the Iqra Welfare Trust and GFM Trust were reportedly used to support ISIS recruitment.
Officials stated that the searches were part of efforts to track fund flows, identify network members, and gather evidence on terror financing. The ED is scrutinizing financial transactions and seized materials to ascertain the extent of the money laundering operation and its connections to ISIS recruitment. The NIA has previously charged five individuals for conspiring to radicalize and recruit Muslim youth in Bengaluru for ISIS.
The accused allegedly utilized programs like ‘Iqra Camp’ and ‘Quran Circle’ to recruit, raise funds, and aid illegal travel to Syria for joining ISIS. The ED claimed the group exploited anti-CAA/NRC sentiments to promote ISIS ideology through secure social media platforms and facilitated recruits’ travel to Syria. The group also aimed to incite Muslims against non-Muslims in India and spread ISIS ideology online.
