ED raids Bengaluru locations in ISIS radicalisation money laundering case

Raids Part of Money Laundering Probe

Published - July 21, 2026 10:41 am IST | Bengaluru

PTI

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at multiple locations in Karnataka on July 21 as part of a money laundering investigation linked to the radicalisation of youth to join the banned international terrorist group ISIS, officials said.

Eight locations in and around Bengaluru were raided by the central agency. The action is being carried out under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The investigation stems from a National Investigation Agency (NIA) First Information Report (FIR) related to ISIS recruitment involving the Iqra Welfare Trust, Guidance for Mankind, and certain individuals.

NIA Chargesheet Details

The NIA has chargesheeted five persons, alleging that the accused—all affiliated with the banned terrorist organisation ISIS/ISIL/Daesh—entered into a criminal conspiracy to radicalise and motivate impressionable Muslim youth in Bengaluru to join ISIS.

According to the NIA chargesheet, the accused:

• Identified, radicalised, and recruited youths through a Muslim "personality development" workshop called 'Iqra Camp' and a weekly study circle called "Quran Circle" that grew out of it
• Raised and channelled funds
• Facilitated the illegal travel of recruits to Syria via Turkiye to join ISIS and fight against the government of Syria

These acts have been described in the NIA chargesheet as "waging war against Syria, an Asiatic Power in alliance with the Government of India."

Additional Allegations

As per the ED, the group is also alleged to have:

• Exploited sentiments around the anti-CAA/NRC protests to incite Muslims against non-Muslims
• Spread ISIS ideology through secure social-media platforms

The accused raised funding from individuals, trusts, and their own savings to facilitate the illegal travel of Muslim youths to fight for ISIS, the ED said.