ED Books UP Islamic Preacher in Money Laundering Case Over Alleged Radical Links
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday registered a money laundering case against an Islamic preacher from Uttar Pradesh who is currently based in the United Kingdom. The agency said the case relates to alleged radical links, including suspected connections with a Pakistan-based outfit.
Case Linked to UP ATS FIR
According to officials, the case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) originates from an FIR filed by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (UP ATS). The accused has been identified as Maulana Shamsul Huda Khan, a native of Azamgarh district in Uttar Pradesh.
Allegations of Salary Fraud After UK Citizenship
ED officials said Khan was appointed as an assistant teacher at a government-aided madrassa in Uttar Pradesh in 1984. Investigators allege that he acquired British citizenship in 2013 but continued to draw a salary from the madrassa between 2013 and 2017.
During this period, Khan allegedly neither held Indian citizenship nor performed teaching duties, as he was residing abroad. Authorities are probing how payments continued despite his absence from India.
Foreign Travel and Suspicious Financial Transactions
The probe agency claimed that Khan travelled to several foreign countries over the last two decades. During this time, he allegedly received funds through seven to eight bank accounts maintained in India.
Investigators also reported that Khan acquired around a dozen immovable properties worth approximately Rs 30 crore. The ED alleges that these assets were amassed through illegal funding activities while promoting radical ideology under the guise of religious education.
NGO, Madrassas, and Funding Channels Under Scanner
Officials said Khan channelled funds to various madrassas using his NGO, Raja Foundation, as well as his personal bank accounts. He allegedly established two madrassas in Azamgarh and Sant Kabir Nagar districts. Authorities later cancelled the registrations of both institutions.
The ED is now examining the funding trail connected to these madrassas and the NGO.
Alleged Links With Pakistan-Based Radical Outfit
The agency is also probing Khan’s alleged links with radical organisations operating from the UK. Officials claimed that Khan visited Pakistan and is suspected of being associated with the Pakistan-based radical organisation Dawat-e-Islami.
Investigation Ongoing
The ED said it is examining Khan’s foreign linkages, financial network, and asset holdings as part of the ongoing investigation. Attempts to contact Khan for a response were unsuccessful.
The agency added that further action would follow based on evidence gathered during the probe. Follow for more updates on FM News.
