Three arrested in terror funding case: NIA

Unearthing a suspected terror funding module linked to Hafiz Saeed-backed Falah-e-Insaniyat Foundation (FIF), the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested three persons in the national capital after searches and seizure of over Rs 1.50 crore money transacted through hawala.

Suspected FIF operative Mohd Salman (52), suspected hawala conduit Mohd Salim (62), both hailing from Delhi, and suspected Sajjad Abdul Wani (34), who is from Srinagar, was apprehended on Tuesday, the NIA said. The arrests were made from multiple places--Daryaganj, Nizamuddin and Kucha Ghasiram in the capital.

The NIA had registered a case on July 2 claiming that some Delhi-based individuals were receiving funds from FIF operatives based abroad and were using it to further the terror activities.

During investigations, the NIA claimed it came to light that Salman was in "regular touch" with a Dubai-based Pakistani national, who was "connected with the Deputy Chief of FIF, a front-end organisation of proscribed terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)".

Salman has been "receiving funds, being sent by FIF operators and his associates, through hawala operators". An NIA statement said, "accused persons along with others in various countries including Pakistan, UAE etc are sending money through hawala to India to further their nefarious activities and create unrest in India and carry out the terrorist activities".

The FIF is based in Lahore and established by Saeed-led Jamat-ud-Dawa. Saeed is designated as a global terrorist by the United States. The FIF is also placed on the list of terrorist organisations by India and the US.

During searches, investigators have seized Rs 1.56 crore in Indian currency, Rs 43,000 in Nepali currency, 14 mobiles phones, five pen drives and several documents. The investigation is continuing to unearth the larger conspiracy, to collect evidence and to arrest the other accused persons, the statement said.