Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Dec 13: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out extensive search operations across several states as part of an ongoing money laundering investigation connected to a highly radicalised, ISIS-affiliated terror module, officials said on Saturday.

According to the ED’s Mumbai Zonal Office, the raids were conducted on December 11 at 40 locations across Maharashtra, Delhi, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Daman and Diu, and Ratnagiri, with key operations focused in the Padgha–Borivali region near Mumbai.

The action, taken under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, targets Saquib Nachan and associates linked to the ISIS module.

Authorities seized movable assets worth roughly ?9.70 crore, including cash of around Rs 3.70 crore and gold jewellery and bullion valued at approximately Rs 6 crore. In addition, 25 bank accounts linked to the accused were frozen, and digital devices, documents, and literature promoting radicalisation were recovered. Details of several immovable properties connected to the suspects were also seized.

The ED initiated the probe based on FIRs and charge sheets filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in case RC-29/2023/NIA/DLI under the Indian Penal Code, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, and the Explosive Substances Act. Investigations indicated that the module was involved in recruitment, training, procurement of weapons and explosives, and fundraising for terror activities.

Intelligence from the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad revealed that the suspects were also engaged in illegal revenue-generating operations, including the clandestine cutting, smuggling, and sale of Khair (Kaith) wood from reserve forest areas. Proceeds from these activities were allegedly diverted to fund extremist operations. Seized Kaith wood was handed over to the Forest Department for further action.

The ED also uncovered hawala transactions and other financial linkages between several suspects and accused members, highlighting the use of illegal channels to sustain their network.

“Considering the gravity of the offence and the risk posed to national security, premises of accused persons, their close associates, family members, and entities reflecting financial linkages or suspicious monetary transactions were covered under PMLA,” the ED stated.

Investigations into the full financial and operational network of the terror module are ongoing.