ED Raids Eight Locations in Karnataka in ISIS Radicalisation, Money Laundering Case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday conducted searches at around eight locations in and around Bengaluru as part of a money laundering investigation linked to an alleged network involved in the radicalisation and recruitment of youth for the banned terrorist organisation ISIS, officials said.

The searches were carried out under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The financial probe stems from a case registered by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) concerning alleged ISIS recruitment activities involving the Iqra Welfare Trust, Guidance for Mankind and certain individuals.

According to the NIA chargesheet, five accused persons allegedly entered into a criminal conspiracy to radicalise and motivate impressionable Muslim youth in Bengaluru to join ISIS, also known as ISIL or Daesh. The accused allegedly identified and recruited young people through a Muslim "personality development" workshop called 'Iqra Camp' and a weekly study circle known as 'Quran Circle', which reportedly emerged from the workshop.

The investigation alleges that the network raised and channelled funds and facilitated the illegal travel of recruits to Syria via Türkiye, with the alleged objective of enabling them to join ISIS and fight against the Syrian government.

The NIA chargesheet has described these activities as involving the alleged waging of war against Syria, an Asiatic power in alliance with the Government of India.

The ED has also alleged that the accused exploited sentiments surrounding the anti-CAA/NRC protests to incite Muslims against non-Muslims and used secure social-media platforms to propagate ISIS ideology.

According to the agency, funds were allegedly collected from individuals, a trust and the accused's personal savings to facilitate the illegal travel of Muslim youths for ISIS-related activities.

The latest searches are part of the ED's efforts to trace the money trail and financial networks allegedly connected to the radicalisation and recruitment operation. Further details about the searches and any seizures or findings are expected as the investigation progresses.