Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Nov 18: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday arrested Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, founder of Al Falah University and chairman of the Al Falah Group, in connection with a terror financing-linked money laundering case. He was taken into custody under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The arrest followed a detailed investigation and evidence analysis conducted during search operations at 19 locations in Delhi, including the university premises and residential addresses of key group officials. The probe is part of an ECIR registered by the ED under PMLA regarding the Al Falah Group.
Background of the Investigation
The ED’s investigation is based on two FIRs filed by the Crime Branch, Delhi Police, which alleged that Al Falah University, Faridabad:
• Made fraudulent claims of NAAC accreditation intending to deceive students, parents, and stakeholders for wrongful gain.
• Falsely claimed UGC recognition under Section 12(B) of the UGC Act, 1956, to cheat aspirants and the public.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) clarified that Al Falah University is included only under Section 2(f) as a State Private University, has never applied for Section 12(B) inclusion, and is therefore ineligible for grants under that provision.
Findings of the ED
• Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui is a Managing Trustee of Al-Falah Charitable Trust (established in 1995), which controls all group institutions financially and operationally.
• Investigations revealed diversion of large sums of money to family-owned entities, including construction and catering contracts awarded to companies owned by Siddiqui’s wife and children.
• During searches, the ED seized over Rs 48 lakh in cash, multiple digital devices, and documentary evidence, and identified multiple shell companies linked to the group.
• Evidence points to generation and layering of proceeds of crime under Siddiqui’s control.
Legal Action
Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui was arrested under Section 19 of the PMLA, 2002 and has been produced before court for ED remand. The investigation remains ongoing, with further scrutiny into financial irregularities and terror financing links.
This case underscores systemic financial and regulatory violations in educational institutions operated under charitable trusts, along with potential money laundering and terror financing connections.