Enforcement Directorate raids Bengaluru locations in ISIS funding probe

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at eight locations across Bengaluru, including Fraser Town, Gurappanapalya, Bismillah Nagar and Kammanahalli, as part of a money‑laundering investigation linked to alleged funding of the terrorist group ISIS. The raids were launched after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed an FIR and chargesheet alleging that a network had radicalised young Muslims through personality‑development programmes called “Iqra Camp” and weekend study circles dubbed “Quran Circle”.

Investigators say the group collected money through personal savings, private donors and charitable trusts such as Iqra Welfare Trust and Guidance for Mankind Trust. The funds were allegedly used to finance recruitment, arrange travel documents and support the illegal movement of youths from India to Syria via Turkey to join ISIS. The ED seized electronic devices, documents and other records to trace the money trail and assess the extent of the alleged terror‑funding network.

The probe also alleges that the conspirators exploited anti‑CAA/NRC protest sentiments to spread extremist ideology on social‑media platforms and to incite communal tensions. The searches are ongoing, with further statements from the agency expected.