Operations in Nandurbar, Mumbai, and Barmer; Rs 9 Lakh Cash, Documents, and Digital Evidence Seized
Mumbai: The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Mumbai Zonal Office, carried out search operations on 01 December 2025 at 12 locations across Nandurbar, Mumbai, and Barmer, as part of an ongoing investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The operation focused on the Jamia Ismalia Ishatul Uloom (JIIU) trust, Yemeni national Al-Khadami Khaled Ibrahim Saleh, his wife Khadega Ibrahim Kasim Al-Nasheri, and other associates, in connection with alleged violations in handling and distribution of foreign contributions.
During the searches, ED seized Rs 9 lakh in cash, along with numerous incriminating documents and digital devices. The investigation was initiated based on FIR No. 0030/2025, dated 11 February 2025, and the subsequent charge sheet filed on 11 April 2025 by Akkalkuwa Police Station, District Nandurbar, naming the accused, including Al-Khadami Khaled Ibrahim Saleh, his wife Khadega Ibrahim Kasim Al-Nasheri, and Ghulam Mohammad Randhera Vastanvi, the founder of JIIU, who is now deceased.
Visa Violations and Fake Documentation
Preliminary inquiries indicate that the Yemeni nationals remained in India illegally after their visas expired, allegedly with assistance from co-accused. The co-accused reportedly provided shelter, facilitated fraudulent Aadhaar, PAN, birth certificate procurement, and bank account openings.
ED further revealed that JIIU had appointed Al-Khadami as a madrasa teacher, ostensibly to showcase foreign staffing to donors, thereby attracting higher overseas contributions.
Misuse of Foreign Donations
Investigations under PMLA indicate that between 2014-15 and 2023-24, JIIU received approximately Rs 406 crore in foreign donations from countries including Kuwait, Botswana, UK, Mauritius, Switzerland, Seychelles, and Panama. A significant portion of these funds was reportedly received and utilized in cash transactions. Early findings suggest that these funds were diverted for purposes other than those approved, in violation of statutory norms.
Evidence collected also points to the misuse of national research incentives for organizational self-funding, as JIIU allegedly received donations from other trusts and NGOs to fund its activities beyond approved purposes.
FCRA Registration Revoked
The Ministry of Home Affairs had previously cancelled JIIU’s FCRA registration on 15 July 2024, after concluding that the trust had been channeling foreign contributions to other non-FCRA registered NGOs.
Seized Evidence and Preliminary Findings
During the operations, ED recovered cash, documents, and digital devices which are now under detailed forensic examination. These materials are expected to provide critical leads on the financial flow, foreign contribution misuse, and money laundering activities linked to the trust and associated individuals.
ED’s Message and Ongoing Investigation
ED emphasized that the ongoing investigation is aimed at tracking illicit financial flows and ensuring legal compliance. The agency has made it clear that any involvement in illegal foreign funding, falsification of documents, or financial misconduct may attract severe legal consequences.
Officials highlighted that the operation underscores the ED’s strict vigilance over money laundering and foreign fund misappropriation, sending a clear message that no individual or organization involved in such violations will evade scrutiny.
The investigation is still underway, with ED analyzing all seized documents, bank records, and digital evidence to map the extent of irregularities and trace funds.
