In a significant development, the Mumbai Police have uncovered a major terror funding angle associated with a suspected hawala racket. The key accused, Salim Sheikh, allegedly forged documents to create fake passports for nearly 40 individuals.
The Anti-Terrorism Branch of the Special Branch carried out raids at three locations in the Kurar area of Malad, leading to the arrest of Mohammed Islam Ismail Khan, also known as Salim Rahmatullah Sheikh (49). During the operation, investigators found crucial evidence, including a Kuwaiti Civil ID card and documents related to multiple identities. The case is expected to be handed over to the Mumbai Crime Branch for further investigation.
Police sources disclosed that personal documents of about 40 individuals were confiscated from the accused’s hideout. Initial findings indicate that these documents were used to acquire passports under false identities, raising concerns about potential misuse in illicit activities.
Investigators also seized two passports issued in the accused’s name—one from Hyderabad under a fictitious identity and another from Mumbai—pointing to a well-organized network. The probe gained momentum following intelligence inputs hinting at suspicious financial transactions linked to the accused.
The investigation has uncovered that the accused has made around 50 trips to Kuwait in the last 22 years. Authorities are now trying to determine his contacts during these visits and whether any dubious financial transactions occurred.
Moreover, a significant amount of cash, including bundles of 500, 200, and 50-rupee notes, was found at the accused’s residence. The police are currently probing the source of these funds and their intended purpose.
Currently, the police are deeply investigating the entire situation and are also considering a potential connection to an international terror funding network. Officials believe that this discovery could expose a major fake passport racket and a potential terror funding network.
