Bengaluru Enforcement Directorate Seizes Digital Evidence, Freezes Funds in ISIS Recruitment Probe

The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) carried out searches at eight locations in Bengaluru on July 21 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. During the operation the agency seized electronic records and digital devices and froze proceeds of crime worth Rs 7.5 lakh.

The probe stems from a National Investigation Agency (NIA) FIR and an Enforcement Case Information Report linking alleged ISIS recruitment activities to the Iqra Welfare Trust and the Guidance for Mankind (GFM) Trust. Five accused – businessman Irfan Nasir, private‑bank business analyst Ahamed Abdul Cader, dentist Mohd Tauqir Mahmood, IT professional Zuhab Hameed Shakeel Manna (alias Zohaib Manna) and an absconding IT professional Mohd Shihab – have been arrested.

Investigators allege the suspects radicalised vulnerable Muslim youth through programmes such as “Iqra Camp” and a weekly “Quran Circle,” raised funds from individuals, trusts and personal savings, and facilitated travel of recruits to Syria via Turkey. The charge‑sheet also claims they exploited anti‑CAA/NRC protest sentiments and used encrypted social‑media platforms to spread ISIS ideology. The ED said the investigation is ongoing.