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News18
21-06-2025
- Politics
- News18
ED Busts Multinational Terror Funding Network Linked To PFI & SDPI
Last Updated: The operation ran a shadow economy that facilitated the movement of over Rs 62 crore to finance illegal activities, including terror training and mobilising citizens against India The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has uncovered a massive criminal network orchestrated by the Popular Front of India (PFI) and its political arm, the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), following a lengthy investigation that exposed their involvement in financing terrorist training, communal unrest, and radicalisation activities across India. According to sources within the ED, the criminal operation ran a shadow economy that facilitated the movement of over Rs 62 crore in illicit funds, which were funnelled through a web of fraudulent financial practices, fake trusts, underground Hawala networks, and a dedicated chain of operatives. The network, with both domestic and international connections, was strategically built to finance illegal activities, including terror training, communal violence, and mobilising citizens against the Indian state. MK Faizy: The Mastermind Behind the Operation At the heart of this extensive conspiracy lies MK Faizy, the National President of SDPI and a member of the National Executive Council (NEC) of PFI. According to the ED investigation, Faizy was the mastermind behind the financial operations of SDPI, playing a pivotal role in orchestrating PFI's underground economy. His position allowed him to mobilise funds both domestically and internationally, especially from Gulf nations such as Qatar and UAE, where a significant portion of the illicit funds originated. Faizy personally oversaw the fundraising efforts, which included cash donations, cadre fees, and money laundering through SDPI's organisational bank accounts. ED sources revealed that Faizy personally handled Rs 15.4 lakh in illicit funds through HDFC Bank, disguising it as legitimate political income. These funds were then redirected to support violent riots, murder plots, and radical training camps, including several notorious terror-linked operations. Faizy's central role within SDPI and his direct involvement in terror financing has led the ED to label him as the primary architect of a sophisticated, transnational terror financing network. Faizy's operations were further bolstered by his close associate Wahidur Rahman, who managed field operations and controlled the actual cash channels used to funnel funds through party sympathisers. Rahman coordinated with various operatives to move illicit money, ensuring its effective use in SDPI's physical operations, including acts of violence and destabilising protests. Rauf Sherif, a crucial player in the network, headed the Campus Front of India (CFI), which is linked to PFI's student front. Sherif played a significant role in channelling funds from abroad through Shafeeque Payeth, a key operator based in Doha. Payeth's operations in the Gulf were integral to the transfer of cash from overseas donors into SDPI's hands. In addition, Ashraf MK and Abdul Razak were pivotal in converting illicit funds into real estate and property, further laundering the money into legitimate assets. The SDPI state units across various regions were also involved in hoarding and laundering the money, acting as crucial storage points for the criminal funds. The investigation also revealed Rasheed and Kunju, two operatives linked to SDPI, who were directly involved in physical crimes funded by SDPI. These individuals were integral to the violent operations on the ground, executing plans for communal violence, and engaging in illegal acts designed to fuel unrest and radicalisation across Indian states. Well-Organised Transnational Conspiracy The case has unravelled a carefully coordinated and expansive network of radicalisation and terror financing, which operated not only through domestic channels but also extended across borders. The SDPI-PFI nexus, through its transnational network, sought to utilise political and civil liberties infrastructure to further their ideological war against the Indian state. They exploited legal avenues, including using their political party status and social activism fronts, to mask their true intentions—funding terrorism and radicalisation efforts. The network used underground hawala networks, illegal cash donations, and fraudulent financial practices to raise money from sympathisers abroad, while simultaneously using the SDPI's political influence to create public disturbances, thereby feeding into their larger goal of sowing discord and instability within the nation. Following the unearthing of this network, the Enforcement Directorate has initiated a series of actions, including freezing accounts, seizing properties linked to illicit transactions, and interrogating key members of PFI and SDPI. The investigation is ongoing, with the ED planning to expand the probe into the wider network of international financiers and operatives involved. Sources close to ED have stated that further arrests and more seizures are expected as the investigation deepens, and international cooperation may be sought to bring to justice those operating from foreign territories, particularly the Gulf countries, which have emerged as key nodes in the funding network. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 21, 2025, 12:06 IST
The Hindu
06-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Samastha seeks revocation of Asgar Ali Faizy's expulsion from Arabic college
The Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, the largest body of traditional Islamic scholars in the State, has sought revocation of Asgar Ali Faizy's expulsion from Jamia Nooriyya Arabic College, Pattikkad. A meeting of the 40-member Mushawara, the topmost decision-making body of the Samastha, held in Kozhikode on Tuesday took the decision against the management of the Jamia Nooriyya Arabic College, the Samastha's flagship institution. Mr. Faizy, a veteran scholar and senior Mushawara member, was expelled from Jamia Nooriyya in March reportedly in retaliation for his veiled criticism against Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) State president Syed Sadikali Shihab Thangal. Although Jamia Nooriyya functions under the Samastha, the college is being managed by IUML leaders. The Mushawara decided to demand the reinstatement of Mr. Faizy at Jamia Nooriyya, with Bahaudheen Nadvi submitting a dissenting note. Mr. Nadvi is known to align with the IUML on key issues where the party and the Samastha have differing views. The Mushawara formed a panel to meet Mr. Thangal and urge him to implement a nine-point charter related to the Coordination of Islamic Colleges (CIC). The Samastha had made the charter as part of finding a solution to an impasse it had with the CIC several months ago. But it was not implemented. The Mushawara decided to demand Mr. Thangal's resignation as head of the CIC if he failed to implement the nine-point charter. The Mushawara also decided to summon the leaders of the Sunni Mahallu Federation (SMF) to normalise its committee formations under the Samastha's umbrella. The Mushawara decisions are viewed to have far-reaching consequences, especially in the light of the ongoing tug-of-war between the Samastha and a faction supporting the IUML. All the three decisions will impact the Samastha's relations with the IUML as the party leadership is directly connected with them. Mr. Thangal holds significant influence over both the CIC and Jamia Nooriyya, putting him directly at the centre of the Samastha's latest decisions and demands. This could lead to a major showdown between the two entities. The IUML faction within the Samastha appears to be backing Mr. Thangal for a top leadership position, seeking recognition as the supreme leader of the Muslim community. However, the Samastha asserts its authority, believing that no Muslim political leader regardless of their scholarship or social standing is above the Samastha's leadership.
The Hindu
03-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Rift in Samastha widens as Sunni unity meet approaches
The rift between the two Sunni factions within the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama appears to be worsening day by day even as attempts are being made to bring about a Sunni unity in the name of Waqf protection. The allegations levelled by Samastha's veteran leader Umer Faizy Mukkam against the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) in connection with Waqf related issues at different places in the State on Friday were the latest in the ongoing face-off between the IUML and the Shajara factions. Mr. Faizy, during a Waqf meeting held near Farook College, Feroke, said a Muslim political party had been responsible for several instances of Waqf land grab in the State. Party leaders were trying to cover up those land grabs. He mentioned the Taliparamba Waqf land issue as a classic example of the involvement of the Muslim party leaders. Mr. Faizy said some Muslim political leaders would be hurt when the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama raises those land grabs. 'But the Samastha is not responsible for that,' he said. Mr. Faizy also questioned the Farook College management's view that the controversial land at Munambam is not Waqf. 'It's a shame on the Farook College management,' he said, reminding them to behave with dignity. 'If it's a mistake, correct it please. Otherwise the people will intervene,' he warned. Mr. Faizy's comments evoked strong criticism from IUML circles, though the leaders avoided responding. All eyes on Kochi meet All eyes are on the Waqaf meet by four Sunni groups being held at Kaloor, Kochi, on Sunday as this meet is feared to widen the differences within the Samastha rather than pacify tempers. The meet has historic significance, and the result may be a milestone in the State's Muslim politics. The Waqf meet convened jointly by the Dakshin Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, the Samsthana Jamiyyathul Ulama and the AP and EK factions of the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama (the two biggest Sunni groups) has kept away IUML State president Syed Sadikali Shihab Thangal, who is also president of the Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS). The exclusion of Mr. Thangal from the Kochi meet has apparently angered a section within the Samastha who support the IUML and institutions like Darul Huda Islamic University and the Coordination of Islamic Colleges (CIC). It was a meeting in Kochi convened by Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar in 1989 that became a turning point in the AP-EK division of the Samastha. The upcoming May 4 Kochi meeting has drawn comparisons to this pivotal event, sparking interest in its potential impact.
