New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its investigation into an alleged terror funding and illegal infiltration network by conducting coordinated search operations across four states, recovering ₹40 lakh in cash and 180 grams of gold coins from a madrasa in West Bengal. The searches, carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), form part of a wider probe into suspected financial transactions linked to illegal immigration, human trafficking, and the alleged diversion of foreign funds.
According to the ED, search operations were conducted at 16 locations across Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Delhi, and Haryana by its Lucknow Zonal Office. Among the premises searched was the Al-Jamiatul Islamia Darul Uloom madrasa located in Haroa in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district, where officials recovered ₹40 lakh in cash along with 180 grams of gold coins.
The agency stated that the madrasa’s management and staff were unable to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the legal source of the seized cash and gold. Officials said the findings from the remaining locations are still being compiled, while bank documents, financial records, and several digital devices recovered during the raids have been seized for forensic examination.
The ongoing money laundering investigation stems from a case registered by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), which had launched an inquiry into an alleged syndicate accused of facilitating the illegal infiltration of Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals into India. Based on evidence gathered by the ATS indicating possible money laundering, the ED registered a case under the PMLA in 2024.
According to investigators, the ATS uncovered the network after arresting several Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals allegedly residing in India without valid travel or identity documents. The suspects were reportedly using forged Indian identification papers, including Aadhaar and PAN cards, obtained through the assistance of an organised syndicate.
The ATS alleged that the network was active across multiple states, including West Bengal, Delhi, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and several districts of Uttar Pradesh. The syndicate allegedly arranged forged identity documents, enabling illegal immigrants to settle in different parts of the country.
The ED is now focusing on tracing the financial network that allegedly supported these operations. Officials claimed that several charitable trusts, organisations, and other entities are suspected of receiving significant foreign contributions, which were allegedly diverted through layered banking transactions, mule accounts, and cash withdrawals.
Investigators suspect these funds were used to facilitate illegal infiltration, help undocumented migrants obtain accommodation and employment, establish businesses, and allegedly support activities linked to terror financing. Authorities are also examining multiple small-value bank transfers and cash transactions that were allegedly routed to various beneficiaries to avoid detection.
The investigation traces its origins to the arrest of a Bangladeshi national identified as Mohammad alias Adil-ur-Rehman in Varanasi nearly four years ago. According to the ATS, Adil had allegedly entered India illegally and procured forged Indian identity documents.
During questioning, Adil reportedly disclosed information about two other Bangladeshi nationals, Sheikh Najib-ul-Haque and Abu Huraira, who were allegedly residing in the Deoband area of Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur district. Investigators claim that both individuals received assistance from the same syndicate responsible for facilitating Adil’s illegal entry and documentation.
Subsequent investigations led the ATS to allege that certain non-governmental organisations operating in Delhi and Haryana, along with some madrasas in Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, were part of a broader network involved in human trafficking, document forgery, and facilitating illegal settlement. Authorities have alleged that these activities posed a threat to national security and were aimed at disturbing communal harmony.
The ATS registered its FIR in October 2023 under various provisions relating to human trafficking, criminal conspiracy, forgery, as well as offences under the Foreigners Act and the Passport Act. Over the following two years, the agency filed seven charge sheets against multiple accused. While several individuals were arrested during the investigation, many have since secured bail.
According to the ATS, financial investigations revealed transactions amounting to nearly ₹20 crore, including alleged foreign funding channelled through hawala networks and mule bank accounts. Investigators believe these funds played a key role in supporting illegal infiltration activities and facilitating the settlement of Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals across different states.
During court proceedings earlier this year, while opposing the bail plea of one accused, Delhi resident Dr. Abdul Ghaffar, prosecutors informed the court that intelligence agencies had been monitoring the suspected network since 2021. Based on surveillance, financial analysis, and other investigative inputs, authorities claimed they uncovered evidence pointing to organised illegal activities, eventually leading to the registration of the ATS case and the subsequent ED investigation.
The Enforcement Directorate has indicated that the investigation remains ongoing. Officials are examining seized financial records, bank statements, electronic devices, and digital evidence to determine the full extent of the alleged money laundering network and identify additional individuals or organisations that may have been involved. Further action is expected after the analysis of the material seized during the searches is completed.
