The Enforcement Directorate has raided 13 locations across several states as part of a sweeping crackdown on an alleged transnational syndicate involved in illegal infiltration, forged identity documents, hawala transactions and terror funding, sources told CNN-News18.
The searches led to the seizure of around Rs 40 lakh in cash and gold, according to sources.
The ED action is linked to a 2023 Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad FIR which allegedly uncovered a highly organised criminal network operating across West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana and Maharashtra.
According to sources, the syndicate was created to facilitate the illegal entry of Bangladeshi and Rohingya nationals into India, provide them with forged documents and help them settle
permanently in different parts of the country.
Biometric Data Of Poor Indians Allegedly Stolen
The investigation has also exposed the alleged theft and misuse of biometric data belonging to poor and illiterate Indian citizens.
Sources said operatives such as Abdul Awwal misused their access as telecom and banking agents to collect fingerprints from unsuspecting citizens on the pretext of distributing government rations.
The stolen biometric details were allegedly used to open mule bank accounts without the knowledge of the individuals whose identities had been compromised. These accounts were then used to route and conceal financial transactions linked to the network.
The practice amounted to biometric hijacking and exposed local residents to the risk of financial fraud and criminal liability, sources said.
Key Operators Identified
The alleged ringleaders and Indian operators identified during the investigation include Adil-ur-Rahman Asharfi, a Bangladeshi national accused of living in India under a forged identity, and Sheikh Najib-ul-Haq, a Deoband-based coordinator who allegedly handled logistics for the network.
Others under the scanner include Abu Saleh Mandal, who allegedly managed funds routed through trusts, Tania Mandal and Abdul Awwal, who is suspected of playing a central role in digital forgery and biometric theft.
Sources said the domestic cells were not operating independently and allegedly received funding and instructions from handlers based outside India.
UK-Linked Hawala Network Under Scanner
The investigation has pointed to the alleged involvement of UK-based handlers who used transnational hawala channels to send illicit funds into India, sources said.
Among those being examined is Yusuf Patel of the Ummah Welfare Trust. Sources described him as one of the key overseas figures allegedly linked to the funding and supervision of the network’s operations in India.
The foreign funds were allegedly routed through hawala channels before being laundered through organisations operating in India.
Sources said FCRA-registered entities, including the Sun Shine Health Care Society, were allegedly used as front organisations to receive and divert funds towards infrastructure required for the illegal settlement of foreign nationals.
The money was allegedly used to arrange accommodation, forged identity documents, bank accounts and other facilities required to establish Bangladeshi and Rohingya nationals inside India.
The ED is now examining the complete financial trail, the role of the trusts and societies involved, and the links between the domestic operators and their alleged overseas handlers.
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