ED arrests Al-Falah Group Chairman Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui in PMLA case: Sources

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday arrested Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, chairman of the Al Falah group, in a money-laundering case linked to the Al Falah Charitable Trust, sources told CNBC-TV18.

Siddiqui was arrested on Nov 18 under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, following search operations conducted earlier in the day, the sources said.

The arrest came after investigators analysed material seized during searches at premises linked to the group, as part of an ongoing

probe based on an ECIR registered by the ED under PMLA, according to the sources.

Probe Triggered by Fraudulent Accreditation Claims

According to sources, ED initiated the investigation on the basis of two FIRs registered by the Crime Branch of Delhi Police. The FIRs allege that Al-Falah University, Faridabad, made fraudulent and misleading claims of NAAC accreditation with the intention of deceiving students, parents and stakeholders for wrongful gain.

Sources said the FIRs also mention that Al-Falah University falsely claimed recognition under Section 12(B) of the UGC Act, 1956, with the motive to cheat aspirants, students, parents, guardians and the general public. They added that the UGC clarified that the university is included only under Section 2(f) as a State Private University, has never applied for inclusion under Section 12(B), and is not eligible for grants under that section.

Trust Structure and Control by Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui

The Al-Falah Charitable Trust, sources told CNBC-TV18, was constituted under a public charitable trust deed dated 8 September 1995, naming Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui as one of the first trustees and the Managing Trustee. All educational institutions under the group — including the university and colleges — are ultimately owned and financially consolidated under the trust, which sources said is effectively controlled by Siddiqui.

Sources added that the Al-Falah group has experienced a meteoric rise since the 1990s, transforming into a large educational body, but this growth is not backed by adequate financials.

Searches at 19 Locations; Cash and Digital Evidence Seized

ED conducted search operations at 19 locations in Delhi today, 18 November 2025, including the Al-Falah University campus and residential premises of key persons, sources revealed. According to them, the investigation shows that large amounts of proceeds of crime have been generated.

Sources said evidence indicates that crores of rupees have been diverted by the trust to family-owned entities. They cited examples such as construction and catering contracts allegedly awarded by the trust and by Siddiqui to entities owned by his wife and children.

During the searches, ED officials seized over ₹48 lakh in cash, multiple digital devices, and various documentary evidence. Sources further said several shell companies connected to the group have been identified, and numerous violations under multiple Acts have been detected.

Evidence of Fund Diversion and Layering

Multiple pieces of evidence, sources said, point to Siddiqui’s effective control over the trust and its activities. According to them, the recovery of cash from trustees, diversion of funds to family-owned concerns, and layering of funds clearly establish the pattern of generation and laundering of proceeds of crime.

Arrest and Court Production

Sources told CNBC-TV18 that after establishing his culpability in the offence, Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui was arrested today following due legal procedure under Section 19 of the PMLA. He has been produced before the court for the ED to seek remand.

Further investigation is underway, sources added.